The Aviator
The bronze statuary known as the Aviator has proudly stood watch over the Linsly campus since the early 1900's. It has served as the symbol of the ideals of Linsly's current and former students.
The Aviator was created by internationally known sculptor Augustus Lukeman and commissioned by Sallie Maxwell Bennett as a memorial to her son, Lt. Louis Bennett Jr, who was killed in action August 24th, 1918, while serving as a lieutenant in the Royal Air Force in France. Bennett's record during August 15th - 24th was three enemy planes and balloons destroyed.
The words "Ready to serve…", found on the base of the monument's front, have reminded generations of Linsly men and women of those many who have served and sacrificed for their country.
Inscriptions on The Aviator Statue
Front:
Ready To Serve - To the glorious memory of all Americans who sacrificed their lives in the World War, 1914-191
Reverse Side:
Gift of Mrs. Louis Bennett whose only son Louis Bennett, Jr. "Yale 1917" was captain of the West Virginia Flying Corps which he organized at Wheeling, West Virginia. He was killed in action August 24th 1918, While serving as Lieutenant 40th Squadron Royal Air Force in France. His record August 15th - 24th being 3 enemy planes, 9 balloons destroyed (4 in one day) "And thus this man died, leaving his spirit as an example of able courage, not only unto young men, but unto all the nation."
When Colonel Charles Lindbergh visited the Wheeling area in 1927, he made a special trip to the Linsly campus where he placed a wreath at the base of the sculpture in memory of all the World War I aviators.