Names to Remember
Thomas Fitzpatrick
Thomas Edward Fitzpatrick was born on 24 April 1930 in New York City in the USA.
In 1945, Fitzpatrick served with the US Marine Corps in World War II’s Pacific theatre. He was clearly too young to serve, so it is obvious that he lied about his age. After the war, he was honourably discharged, but a few years later, he volunteered to serve with the US Army in the Korean War. For his service in that conflict, Fitzpatrick was awarded a Silver Star for ‘gallantry in action against the enemy,’ as well as a Purple Heart for being wounded in combat. The latter medal’s citation read: “During
a strategic withdrawal, Corporal Fitzpatrick noticed a wounded officer, about 100 yards (91 metres) forward of his position. In attempting a rescue, he and a companion were seriously wounded. Cpl. Fitzpatrick, despite severe pain and loss of blood, made it back to safety, organised and directed a second successful rescue party and provided
covering fire to support the rescue.” In 1952, Fitzpatrick returned to New York, where he worked as a steamfitter whilst receiving flying lessons in his spare time. Fitzpatrick also frequented a bar in Manhattan. One night in September 1956, whilst out drinking, someone bet Fitzpatrick that it was impossible to travel from New Jersey to New York City in fifteen minutes. Filled with Dutch courage, Fitzpatrick left the bar. A short while later, his drinking friends could hear the sound of a light aircraft flying down the street between the buildings. He landed a Cessna 140 next to the bar, where he enjoyed more drinks with his friends. Fitzpatrick was arrested, fined $100 and had his pilot’s licence suspended for six months. Funnily enough, the media praised him for being able to land an aircraft in a narrow New York street whilst intoxicated. Six months later, Fitzpatrick did not apply to have his licence reinstated, apparently giving up flying for good.
In 1958, whilst having too much to drink at the same bar, Fitzpatrick told a fellow patron about his epic flight. However, his new-found friend refused to believe the story. Fitzpatrick was frustrated and felt that he had to prove that he had indeed landed an aircraft in that street. He left the bar and drove to an airport in New Jersey. This time he stole a Cessna 120 and took off from a taxiway. About 25 minutes later, Fitzpatrick dodged a number of cars and a bus, whilst landing next to the same bar, as he had done before. He was subsequently arrested and served six months in prison. Fitzpatrick then lived a normal life as a law-abiding citizen until he died from cancer in September 2009 at the age of 79.
Today, if one has the opportunity to visit Manhattan; it is possible to purchase a drink called the ‘Late Night Flight’, named in honour of Thomas Fitzpatrick. Ingredients include Kahlua, vodka, Chambord, blackberries, egg white and syrup. When mixed in the correct way, the drink resembles the night sky in which Fitzpatrick flew.