John G. Kaminski Papers, 1912-1960

Biography/History

Kaminski was the 121st licensed pilot in the world, the first pilot in Wisconsin, and the first known Polish American pilot. He flew exhibition flights for the Curtiss Exhibition Company from 1912-1915, and served in the 7th Aero Squadron, which was based in Panama, during World War I. His eyesight was permanently damaged when he was splashed with gasoline, and was grounded in 1919. Kaminski worked for the Post Office in Milwaukee until his retirement in 1955.