Edwin H. Brainard

Edwin Halstead Brainard (September 6, 1882 – February 27, 1957) was a United States Marine Corps officer who was awarded the Navy Cross during World War I. He was also a Marine aviation pioneer during the 1920s and set many records.

Early life and World War I Brainard was born on September 6, 1882, in Branford, Connecticut. He was the son of Connecticut businessman and politician J. Edwin Brainard, who later served as a member of the General Assembly and as Lieutenant Governor. The younger Brainard was called Halstead in his youth. He graduated from the New York Nautical School and commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps in January 1909.

During World War I, Major Brainard served as the battalion commander of the 1st Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment in France. During the Champagne Offensive in October 1918, he unhesitatingly moved his battalion forward under heavy artillery fire and directed accurate counterfire at the enemy. Major Brainard was awarded the Navy Cross and a Silver Star for his actions. Additionally, the French government awarded Brainard the Croix de Guerre.

On January 17, 1927, Major Brainard flew from Washington, D.C., to Pensacola, Florida, in 6 hours 45 minutes. A few days later, he made the return trip in just 5 hours 25 minutes. Brainard set a record time of 2 hours 5 minutes from Buffalo, New York, to Washington, D.C., leading a formation of Curtiss Hawks. On September 18, 1927, he placed first in a seaplane race in New Haven, Connecticut.

Post-Marine Corps life In May 1929, Major Brainard left the Marine Corps in order to take the position of Vice President at Curtiss Flying Service.

Edwin H. Brainard died on February 27, 1957, in Pinellas County, Florida. He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.