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Martin Jensen[edit]

Martin (Marty) Jensen (1900-1992) was well known for placing second in the Dole Air Race from Oakland, California to Honolulu, Hawaii in 1927. He and his navigator, Captain Paul Schluter, were one of only two teams that survived the air race. He was beat by Arthur Goebel who took home the $35,000 prize. Jensen was a renowned barnstormer and flight engineer. The same year of the Dole Air Race, he participated in a publicity flight from California to New York to transport the MGM studios lion, Leo the lion but crash landed in Arizona. Both unhurt, Jensen found help to move Leo who was then transported by truck the rest of the way to New York.[1][2][3]

Early life[edit]

Jensen was born in Jamestown, Kansas on December 20, 1900 to Nils and Marin Jensen. He attended high school in Sioux City, Nebraska

Jensen learned to fly in San Diego in 1919. From 1918-1920 Jensen flew as an ensign in the US Navy Air Corps Reserve. He was eventually promoted to Captain US army reserve corps.

Dole Air Race[edit]

the 1927 aircraft the aloha is pictured. The name Aloha is painted clearly on the side of the fuselage. A stripe of painted flowers wraps around the front of the aircraft diagonally. There is only one set of wings and a single propeller on the front.
Martin Jensen's modified Breese plane for the 1927 Dole Air race

In 1927 James D. Dole pineapple tycoon, wanted to generate publicity for Hawaiian tourism and the possibilities of aviation. He decided to host a non-stop air race from Oakland, California to Honolulu, Hawaii and offered a $35,000 reward to first place and a $10,000 prize to second place. The competition had several stipulations and safety precautions that reduced the competition pool from over 50 to 10 teams. Each pilot needed a professional and seasoned navigator that had to go through rigorous testing to prove their accuracy. Each plane needed to be entirely commercially produced with no "unique" constructions, however modifications were allowed for extra fuel tanks and any adjustment needed to ensure the safe arrival of each aircraft.

Arthur Goebul (left), James D. Dole (center), and Martin Jensen (right) at the congratulatory ceremony after the Dole Air Race in 1927. Jensen placed second taking home a $10,000 prize.

Leo the Lion (MGM Flight)[edit]

After placing second in the Dole Air Race Jensen was chosen for a 1927 publicity flight for MGM studios. Jensen was to fly the MGM studios lion Jackie also known as "Leo the Lion" from San Diego, California to New York in a modified Ryan B-1 Brougham plane (the same type of plane Charles Lindbergh used in his transatlantic flight). It was complete with a lion cage located directly behind the cockpit, an extra fuel tank, and tanks for milk and water.[4] Jensen left on September 16, 1927 however, he hit a storm over Arizona and crashed in Gila county in what is now known as Leo Canyon. Miraculously both Jensen and the lion survived the crash. Jensen walked into the desert leaving the lion with water, sandwiches, and milk. After four days Jensen was found by some ranchers who drove him to a ranger station to contact MGM. The ranger wouldn't allow Jensen to use the telephone line however as it was being left open for a missing person in the area, after the ranger realized it was indeed Jensen who had gone missing he got MGM on the phone and the first thing they asked was "Is the Lion ok?"[4]

Later life[edit]

After experimenting with airplanes and barnstorming Jensen went to work on helicopter prototypes. In 1940 he joined the Bendix Aviation Corporation. As a designer at Bendix, Jensen devised the Model J helicopter which used coaxial rotors. The helicopter itself was powered by a Pratt & Whitney R-985 piston engine.[2][5] In 1949 Bendix was forced to close its doors and Jensen found a place at Douglas Aircraft in 1951. he retired in the 1960's and spent his retirement gathering together aviators and enthusiasts alike and researching aircraft wing design. He died February 8, 1992 in San Diego.[2]

Recognition[edit]

Martin Jensen was part of several prestigious aviation clubs during his life but was recognized for his achievements. In 1977 he was inducted into the Oakland International Airport Aviation Hall of Fame along with Amelia Earhart, Arthur Goebbels, Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith, and Charles Lindbergh. [6].

References  [edit]

  1. ^ "Martin Jensen". aviation.hawaii.gov. Retrieved 2021-07-13.
  2. ^ a b c "Martin Jensen Papers 1927-1990". rmoa.unm.edu. Retrieved 2021-07-13.
  3. ^ biographical pamphlet, Box 1, Biographical material about Martin Jensen 1956-1987, Martin Jensen Papers, 1927-1990, Collection Number 10025, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.
  4. ^ a b Pigott, Peter (2016-06-18). Brace for Impact: Air Crashes and Aviation Safety. Dundurn. ISBN 978-1-4597-3254-4.
  5. ^ "Bendix Model J | Strange Vehicles | Diseno-Art". www.diseno-art.com. Retrieved 2021-07-13.
  6. ^ Brochure from the 50th anniversary celebration of Oakland International Airport, Box 1, Folder 13, Martin Jensen Papers, 1927-1990, Collection Number 10025, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.

External links  [edit]

Martin Jensen Papers 1927-1990 at the University of Wyoming - American Heritage Center

When Lions Fly - University of Wyoming American Heritage Center Blog

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