Air Mail Service Began:
September 15, 1918
Air Mail Service Ended:
November 29, 1918
Assignments:
Chicago, Illinois
November 23, 1918 – Elizabeth, New Jersey
November 23, 1918 – Elizabeth, New Jersey
For many aviators a stint in the Air Mail Service was a good job, regardless of regulations, demands and dangers. Few could find steady flying jobs that guaranteed the Air Mail Service's minimum of $2,000 per year. On top of that pilots made a flying bonus of 5 cents per mile. But it was not enough for Louis Gertson. On November 30, 1918, he wrote to Otto Praeger, "I beg to resign on aviation in the Aerial Mail Service: reason for same being insufficient pay. This is to take effect immediately."
