BALODIS, EDUARDS

• October 18, 1895 - Born, in Cesis
• Completed trade school in Cesis
• Graduated from Military College in Russia
• Served with the Latvian Strelnieki in WWI and was captured by the Germans.
• After being released from POW camp by the Germans, he joined the Latvian military and fought against the bolsheviks. Rank: 1st Lt.
• After the war he transferred to the Aviation Regiment.
• Nov.11, 1923 - Commander of the Reserve Squadron.
• Served as a lecturer in the Aviation school.
• 1926: Section Leader at Aviation School (rank: Captain)
• 1933 - 1936 - Commander (non-flying) of the 7th Long-Range Reconaissance Squadron based at Krustpils.
• May 26, 1933 - Balodis begins advanced officer training, starting with Battallion Officer courses.
• March 13-14, 1935 - participates in the publicity flights around Latgale.
• March 1, 1936 - leaves his command at the 7th Squadron to complete flight school.
• Completes his flight training, graduates as a pilot.
• 1936 - assigned to Riga, promoted to rank of Lt.Col., and named Commander of the Reconaissance Division.
• June 22 - July 6, 1936 - Participates in the goodwill flight around Europe, led by Col. Indans. He flies, as a passenger, in Fairey Seal # 29, piloted by Karlis Ercums.
• Frequently sent on international assignments to familiarize himself with aviation developments abroad.
• 1940 - Commander of the Aviation Regiment's Reconnaissance Section.
• During the Soviet Occupation he was released from military service but continued as president of the Aero Club.
• During the German Occupation he served with the Railroad Security Authority.
• After the war he emigrated to the USA.
• June 12, 1965 - Dies, in Detroit, Michigan (USA). Buried in the Woodlawn Cemetary, Detroit.