Byrd’s achievements in this expedition were pivotal in moving exploration in Antarctica from the Heroic Age to the Mechanical Age. He proved that airplanes, radio communication and motorized transport could be used in Antarctica to advance exploration and science. Thousands of miles of unexplored lands were mapped, and never before seen images of the continent were filmed by stills and moving pictures and shared with the American public. Perhaps the most valuable achievement of the first Byrd Expedition to Antarctica was the excitement it generated. Byrd would make four more expeditions to Antarctica in his lifetime, and is considered a true American hero.
Richard E. Byrd, ca. 1930. Richard E. Byrd Papers, #7639_10.
Document of promotion of Byrd to Rear-Admiral by Congress, 1929, Richard E. Byrd Papers, #4552.
Transcription (Google Gemini, 2026):
BE IT ENACTED BY THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IN CONGRESS ASSEMBLED, that the President of the United States be, and he is hereby, authorized to advance Commander Richard E. Byrd, United States Navy, retired, to the grade of Rear Admiral on the retired list of the Navy, with rank, pay and allowances from November twenty eight, nineteen twenty nine, in recognition of extensive scientific investigations and extraordinary aerial exploration of the Antarctic continent, and of the first mapping of the South Pole and polar plateau by air.
Memorandum by Richard E. Byrd, December 11, 1929, Richard E. Byrd Papers, #4552. Byrd's memo to the members of the expedition concerning his possible promotion to Admiral after the South Pole Flight, in which he stresses the importance of all members of the expedition.
Transcription (Google Gemini, 2026):
BYRD ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION
"Little America", Antarctica
Dec. 11, 1929.
MEMORANDUM
A number of people have asked me what action was taken in regard to the Naval Affairs Committee's offer to promote me to Admiral.
The following are extracts from the message sent to Captain Railey for Senator Swanson:
"Senator Swanson has wired that Naval Affairs Committee will make me Admiral if I give OK. I had chance for Admiral after North Pole flight but requested that bill be not presented to Congress as I did not feel deserving of such high rank and didn't want all the formality, dignity, lack freedom, etc., that goes with such a title. I feel the same way now but perhaps it is my duty to the other members of the expedition not to oppose it now on account of the prestige it would give the whole expedition for its work to be so recognized by the country.
"But such a promotion should be based on the entire scientific work and many flights of exploration rather than upon one spectacular flight.
"Here is the vital point. Nothing should be done for me unless something is done for those who went with me.
"I'm not trying to dictate conditions or make it hard for Swanson. I simply don't deserve promotion unless my shipmates get promoted also."
There followed details of things to be done for others who took part in flights. And an effort will be made to get promotion for all on expedition who are eligible for it, and recognition for every man on the expedition in addition to the thanks of Congress already received which applies to every man with me.
R. E. Byrd.
Commemorative medal, First to Fly over the South Pole, 1930, Byrd Miscellany, Accession #19967. This medal was presented to all members of the expedition.
The beauty of the Antarctic landscape, ca. 1929, Richard E. Byrd Papers, #7791. This image shows the south side of a small glacier at 86 degrees south.
Emperor Penguins, ca. 1929, Richard E. Byrd Papers, #7791.