Corporal Vernon L. Burge was the first enlisted pilot in the U.S. Army.
V. L. Burge enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1907, and remained in the service until his retirement in January, 1942. During this time he advanced through all grades to reach the rank of colonel, Air Corps, U.S. Army. He accumulated over 5,000 hours flying time during his time as a pilot.
Vernon L. Burge: First Enlisted Pilot by William I. Chivalette. Published by the Airmen Memorial Museum.
Read his unpublished diary and Early History to find out his perspective on the early days of army aviation.
Diary of V.L. Burge, 1901-1912
Early History of Army Aviation by Col. V. L. Burge, A. C.