About Us
Our Story
On 26 March 1934, the Order of Daedalians was formally instituted and composed of those commissioned officers, who, no later than the Armistice of 1918, held ratings as pilots of heavier-than-air powered aircraft. These World War I military pilots, in the preamble to the constitution of the Order, stated as their purpose: “…to perpetuate the spirit of patriotism and love of country … and the high ideals of self-sacrifice which placed service to the nation above personal safety and position, and to further cement the ties of comradeship which bound us together at that critical hour of our nation’s need…” Throughout our history, we have counted among our members many pioneers and accomplished figures in the history of flight and American military aviation, airpower, and aerospace.
Today, the Daedalian membership consists of commissioned, warrant, and flight officer military aviators and WASPs and continues to perpetuate a legacy of excellence as we encourage future military aviators. The Daedalians continue to honor as our Founder Members, all World War I aviators who were commissioned as officers and rated as military pilots no later than the Armistice on 11 November 1918. Our organization perpetuates their names as the first to fly our country’s airplanes in time of war. We promote their standards of patriotism, integrity, and good character in our programs to encourage a future in military aviation among America’s youth and among our members who represent a diversity of ages, services, and aviation ratings as they continue to participate in our organization and advocate for American air and space power in support of the total force.