The Legendary Darius and Girėnas Flight with Lituanica

The Heroic Transatlantic Journey of Lituanica – A Pillar of Lithuanian Heritage

In aviation history, the flight of Steponas Darius and Stasys Girėnas is a testament to endurance, ambition, and national pride. On July 15, 1933, these two Lithuanian pilots embarked on a dangerous journey across the Atlantic Ocean in their aircraft, Lituanica, aiming to connect the Lithuanian diaspora in the United States with their homeland. This remarkable feat highlighted their extraordinary skill and bravery and left a lasting mark on Lithuanian national consciousness. This article explores the historical context, challenges faced, and the enduring legacy of Darius and Girėnas’s flight.

Historical Context

In the early 20th century, Lithuania was striving to assert its identity and independence after declaring its independence in 1918. By the 1920s and 1930s, the Lithuanian diaspora in the United States had grown significantly, and there was a strong desire to bridge the gap between Lithuanians abroad and those in the homeland. The flight planned by Steponas Darius and Stasys Girėnas was not just an aviation endeavor but a symbolic act of unity and national pride.

The Pilots: Steponas Darius and Stasys Girėnas

Steponas Darius and Stasys Girėnas were seasoned aviators with a deep love for their homeland, Lithuania. Their combined experience and passion for aviation led them to undertake the historic flight that would highlight Lithuanian pride and capabilities.

Steponas Darius

Steponas Darius was born on January 8, 1896, in Rubiškės, Lithuania. In 1907, he emigrated to the United States, where he later joined the U.S. Army during World War I. Darius served as a sergeant in the 149th Field Artillery Regiment, participating in significant battles such as the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. After the war, he pursued his interest in aviation, becoming an accomplished pilot. Darius was also an active member of the Lithuanian-American community, contributing to cultural and patriotic activities that promoted Lithuanian heritage in the diaspora.

Stasys Girėnas

Stasys Girėnas was born on October 4, 1893, in Vytogala, Lithuania. He emigrated to the United States in the early 20th century, settling in Chicago. Initially working in various trades, he discovered his passion for aviation. Girėnas earned his pilot’s license and quickly gained a reputation as a skilled and dedicated aviator. He was actively involved in the Lithuanian-American community and was committed to using his aviation skills to benefit his homeland. Girėnas’s technical expertise and dedication to the flight mission made him an ideal partner for Darius.

Together, Steponas Darius and Stasys Girėnas envisioned a transatlantic journey that would demonstrate their aviation prowess and serve as a symbol of Lithuanian spirit and unity on the global stage. Their collaboration and shared vision culminated in the historic flight of Lituanica in 1933.

The Aircraft: Lituanica

Lituanica, piloted by Steponas Darius and Stasys Girėnas, was a Bellanca CH-300 Pacemaker. Renowned in the early 1930s for its durability and performance, it required extensive adjustments to be ready for the transatlantic flight.

Technical Specifications

The aircraft was equipped with a Wright J6 radial engine, generating 300 horsepower, which was essential for the long haul over the Atlantic. It measured 14.32 meters across its wings and had an overall length of 9.17 meters. The fully loaded takeoff weight was about 2,380 kilograms, which included the weight of the fuel and onboard equipment.

Modifications and Preparations

Significant enhancements were made to prepare Lituanica for the journey. Extra fuel tanks were installed, boosting the fuel capacity to 4,145 liters and enabling the aircraft to cover approximately 7,186 kilometers without needing to refuel. This was critical for the uninterrupted travel across the Atlantic.

Navigation was a major challenge over the featureless ocean. The cockpit was therefore equipped with the latest navigation tools of the time, such as a drift indicator, an earth inductor compass, and a radio direction finder, all crucial for keeping the aircraft on course.

Interesting Facts and Features

Lituanica was named after the Latin term for Lithuania, reflecting national pride. Its fuselage bore the national colors of Lithuania, proudly displaying the name “Lituanica.” Moreover, it carried 980 letters and postcards, making it one of the early instances of transatlantic airmail.

The aircraft also had life vests, a lifeboat, and other emergency supplies, showing the thorough safety measures Darius and Girėnas had implemented. Despite the era’s technological constraints, their preparations exhibited foresight and professionalism. They even modified the interior for comfort during the long flight and installed an autopilot system, a sophisticated feature for that time, to aid in maintaining the course.

Legacy of Lituanica

The legacy of Lituanica goes beyond its specifications and the journey itself. It has become a symbol of Lithuanian resilience and innovative spirit, remembered in many memorials and museums. The aircraft’s journey, though tragically cut short, continues to be a powerful reminder of the courage and pioneering spirit of Darius and Girėnas, leaving a lasting imprint on aviation history.

The Journey

On July 15, 1933, Darius and Girėnas departed from Floyd Bennett Field in New York, their goal being Kaunas, Lithuania. Their planned route stretched roughly 7,186 kilometers, spanning Newfoundland, the Atlantic Ocean, and Northern Europe. The flight faced numerous obstacles, such as poor weather, navigation issues, and limitations due to the aviation technology of the time.

Nonetheless, Darius and Girėnas showcased outstanding flying skills. They managed to navigate the perilous Atlantic weather and withstand both physical and mental challenges throughout their journey. Tragically, merely 650 kilometers from their destination, their aircraft, Lituanica, crashed in the forests of Pszczelnik, near Soldin (now Myślibórz, Poland), on July 17, 1933. The exact cause of the crash is still debated, with possible explanations including engine failure and harsh weather conditions.

Impact and Legacy

The untimely end of Darius and Girėnas flight did not overshadow the significance of their efforts. Celebrated as a monumental achievement in aviation history, their endeavor fostered immense national pride among Lithuanians globally. Their bravery and contribution were honored through various memorials and by naming public places and institutions after them. The crash site itself has become a place of remembrance for Lithuanians, representing the profound sacrifices made by the aviators.

Their remarkable story has since inspired Lithuanian aviators and engineers, illustrating how determination, expertise, and a clear purpose can surmount even the most formidable challenges. The legacy of Darius and Girėnas continues to fuel national pride and commemorates Lithuania’s rich cultural and historical heritage.

Why It Was Done

The primary goal behind their transatlantic trip was to unify and instill pride among Lithuanians worldwide. At a time when Lithuania was still carving out its identity on the global stage, completing such a challenging flight successfully would demonstrate Lithuanian resilience and capability. Furthermore, the flight served to acknowledge the contributions of the Lithuanian diaspora in the United States, strengthening the ties between them and their homeland.

The Crash and Their Death

What Caused the Crash?

The Darius and Girėnas flight in the Lituanica faced numerous hurdles leading to its tragic end. According to aviation historian Poškus, while their preparations were thorough, societal and financial challenges cast a shadow over their mission. Lithuania’s tense political environment, particularly after a recent coup, affected public support.

Darius and Girėnas navigated various challenges including misleading media coverage and competition from other pilots. A critical issue was funding; they needed substantial support to pursue their dream. Despite these barriers, their passion and the backing from the Lithuanian-American community propelled them forward.

Their trip started on July 15, 1933, under favorable weather conditions, but they anticipated stormy weather ahead in Europe. Their plane, unlike Wiley Post’s well-equipped aircraft, lacked modern safety features such as radios and parachutes, relying instead on a basic fuel dumping system for emergencies.

It’s believed that near the German-Polish border, they encountered a severe storm and may have tried to divert to Berlin instead of heading straight to Kaunas. Unfortunately, on July 17, 1933, the plane crashed in eastern Germany, short of their destination. Investigations suggest engine failure and poor visibility were likely causes of the crash.

Though early theories proposed they were shot down, later investigations led by Antanas Gustaitis concluded the crash was accidental, caused by bad weather, technical failures, and human error.

How They Died

Darius and Girėnas died early on July 17, 1933, near Pszczelnik, Poland, when their aircraft struck trees at low altitude, likely during an attempt to land safely. Stormy conditions and the absence of landing lights made a safe landing nearly impossible.

Their bodies were returned to Kaunas and honored as national heroes. While the immediate aftermath saw some looting at the crash site, only parts of Lituanica were recovered and returned to Lithuania.

This accident underscored the dangers of early aviation and highlighted the need for better safety protocols. Although features like radio communication and parachutes might have helped, the low flying altitude likely made survival improbable. Nonetheless, the legacy of Darius and Girėnas lives on as they became symbols of bravery and dedication, embodying the spirit of modernity and national pride for Lithuania. Their story remains a poignant reminder of the human capacity to face great challenges in pursuit of significant goals.

Monuments and Memorials Dedicated to Darius and Girėnas Flight

North America

• United States
  • Darius and Girėnas Memorial
    • Location: Marquette Park, 6743 S. Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60629
    • Description: Erected in 1935, this Art Deco monument features bronze reliefs of the aviators and a granite depiction of their route.
    • More Info: Chicago Park District

Europe

• Lithuania
  • Darius and Girėnas Monument in Kaunas
    • Location: Ąžuolynas Park, Kaunas
    • Description: A striking 25-meter bronze monument, rebuilt based on 1937 designs.
    • More Info: Kaunas In Your Pocket Guide
  • S. Darius and S. Girėnas Stadium
    • Location: Perkūno al. 5, Kaunas 44221, Lithuania
    • Description: A key sports venue named to honor the aviators.
    • More Info: Wikipedia
  • Darius and Girėnas Memorial at Vytogala
    • Location: Vytogala, Lithuania
    • Description: Commemorates Stasys Girėnas’s birthplace and his contributions to aviation.
    • More Info: Visit Lithuania
• Poland
  • Darius and Girėnas Crash Site Memorial
    • Location: Pszczelnik, near Myślibórz, Poland
    • Description: Marks the spot where their valiant flight tragically ended.
    • More Info: Pomorze Zachodnie Travel

Commemorative Events and Artifacts

• Lithuanian 10 Litas Banknote
  • Featuring Darius and Girėnas alongside their aircraft, Lituanica.
  • More Info: Banknote Details
• Postage Stamps and Commemorative Coins
  • Released in 1934 and on various anniversaries to commemorate their flight.
  • More Info: Stamp and Coin Collectibles, Lietuvos Bankas

These memorials and annual commemorations continue to reinforce the legacy of Steponas Darius and Stasys Girėnas, ensuring their extraordinary journey and its significance are remembered in Lithuanian history and beyond.

Celebrating the Legacy

The journey of Darius and Girėnas deeply resonates with the Lithuanian-American community and enthusiasts globally. Their determination and courage symbolize the Lithuanian spirit, stirring inspiration across generations. As we approach the 91st anniversary and remembering Darius and Girėnas in 2024, we prepare to honor their enduring legacy, which continues to promote unity and pride among Lithuanians worldwide. Their story isn’t just a remarkable moment in aviation; it reflects the relentless spirit and resilience of Lithuania. Anticipation grows as the centennial in 2033 nears, promising significant celebrations that will underscore their historical impact and valor.

Update

• July 14, 2024 — The live event commemorating the 91st anniversary of Darius and Girenas successfully took place at Marquette Park. The Lithuanian National Guard and other organizations led the ceremony, which included a gathering at the monument, a memorial service, a Holy Mass, and a cultural program with lunch. The community came together to honor these national heroes, reflecting on their bravery and significant contributions to history. Information and pictures are here: Honoring Darius and Girėnas (2024)