Maxwell unveils Daedalus statue commemorating WWI pilots

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David. L. Goldfein along with base and civilian leaders from the River Region gathered for the official dedication of the Daedalus statue now placed outside of the Maxwell Club here Thursday.

In Greek mythology, Daedalus was the creator of the labyrinth that entrapped the Minotaur and was the first man given wings by the gods.

The fraternal order of WWI military pilots established here in 1934, The Order of the Daedalians, chose Daedalus as their namesake.

The statue was commissioned and donated by Montgomery area business leader, Nimrod Frazer.

Frazer is the son of a WWI purple heart recipient and a Korean War Army veteran. He is a Silver Star recipient himself.

 “It brings me a great deal of pride that we observe the centennial of WWI and recognize the beginning of our Air Service,” Frazer said to the crowd.

42nd Air Base Wing Commander Col. Eric Shafa accepted the gift on behalf of the wing.

 “This monument is a testament to our relationship that will continue to endure well into the future, and I cannot think of a better way to lead into what is surely to be one of the finest Air Show of the year.”