Frank W. Seifert Personal Papers, 1896-1977

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Summary

Creators:
Seifert, Frank W.
Abstract:
Col. Frank Walter Seifert, (September 29, 1896 – December 1, 1977) was an aviation pioneer and a veteran of World War II. He was on the team which preformed the first aerial refueling.
Extent:
0.43 Cubic Feet One Box
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[Item], [Filing Unit], [Series Title], [Subgroups], [Record Group Title and Number], [Repository “San Diego Air & Space Museum Library & Archives”]

Background

Scope and content:

This collection spans the entire professional life of Col. Seifert, from his early days in 1918 as a cadet in the then Signal Corps, though his historic aviation achievements in the 1920’s to his civil life and death in San Diego in 1977. A significant item in this collection is his 1918 Aviator’s Certificate issued by the Federation Aeronautique Internationale. The collection also includes many original awards and certificates, including his induction into the Air Force Hall of Fame.

Biographical / historical:

Col. Frank Walter Seifert, (September 29, 1896 – December 1, 1977) was an aviation pioneer and a veteran of World War II. He became an aviation cadet in the Army Signal Corps and received his second lieutenant’s commission in 1918. He then became a flying instructor at various military airfields in the United States. At Rockwell Field (now North Island NAS) he was a member of the team that performed the first aerial refueling in history, and for that he was later inducted into the Air Force Hall of Fame.

In the 1925 he was elected to the San Diego City Counsel, and spearheaded the development and building of what is now Lindbergh Field. When Lindbergh Field opened in 1928, Seifert was the first person to land at the field carrying the Mayor as the first passenger.

After serving in private industry during the 1930’s, Seifert was recalled to active military duty in 1942, where he was assigned with the 20th Air Force in the Pacific and was named Commander of the Northwest Air Base in Guam.

After WWII, Col. Seifert returned to San Diego where he held various civic positions, including being City Manager of National City, heading the bond drive to expand Lindbergh Field, and was foreman of the San Diego County grand jury in 1963.

Acquisition information:
The materials in this Collection were donated to the San Diego Air and Space Museum.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is open to researchers by appointment.

Terms of access:

Some copyright may be reserved. Consult with the library director for more information.

Preferred citation:

[Item], [Filing Unit], [Series Title], [Subgroups], [Record Group Title and Number], [Repository “San Diego Air & Space Museum Library & Archives”]

Location of this collection:
2001 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park
San Diego, CA 92101, US
Contact:
(619) 234-8291
archives@sdasm.org
Website