Believing La Crosse was St. Paul, and Catgut Slough the St. Croix River, two airmen from Minneapolis made a forced landing on the ice in the middle of Catgut Slough last night at eight o’clock when the gasoline supply of the plane was exhausted. The plane was not damaged in the landing, and the occupants were uninjured. The plane took off this morning for Minneapolis.

Sufficient gasoline was taken to the plane from La Crosse to permit it to fly to the Country Club grounds where it was completely refueled. Merrill Maisack, professional at the club, few with MacDonald, pilot, during the world war.

G. A. MacDonald, chief pilot for Air Service Inc., was the pilot of the plane, a Swallow model No. C976, and his passenger was Norman G. Warsinke, general manager of the Mohawk Aircraft Corporation, both of Minneapolis.

Thought La Crosse Was St. Paul

Mr. Warsinke, who assumed the role of spokesman when the two were located in a La Crosse hotel shortly after the landing, said that they struck the Mississippi River about 15 miles south of La Crosse and followed it north.

“We were coming from a southern jaunt,” he said, “and struck a town about 15 miles to the south when we located the Mississippi River. We believed it to be Hastings, Minn., and upon striking La Crosse thought it was St. Paul.”

“Our gasoline supply was extremely low and we circled to find the landing field. Then we found it wasn’t St. Paul and that we were practically lost. We saw a beacon light flash to the northeast and made a quick flight there in the hope that it was marking a ‘hole’ or landing field.”

“We were disappointed there, and then struck back to the city. We again flew over the Mississippi River near a bridge - the wagon bridge - and were thinking of landing there. We came down gingerly and then saw the stars reflecting in the water. Boy, we didn’t gain attitude slow after that!”

“We then flew to the north and came upon the river where we later landed. We nearly crashed into the bridge over the stream, but an automobile headlight illuminated the structure and we barely cleared it, coming down on the ice in an excellent landing.”

Nearly Frozen

After landing, the men drained the half-gallon of gasoline remaining in the tank and soaked several rages which they set on fire to warm their hands. “It was darned cold and we were nearly frozen,” said MacDonald.

The two then shouted for help, the cries being heard by several persons. La Verne Martelle, 19, and Lyle Monti, 16, were the rescuers of the two. They broke the thin ice along the west shore and managed to get to the firm ice, where the plane had landed, with a boat.

MacDonald an Warsinke were taken to a downtown hotel where they spent the night.

They were scheduled to be at the airport in Minneapolis Sunday night at seven o’clock, according to Warsinke.

Note: For a 1928 photo of Charles Lindbergh in a Swallow airplane (similar to the plane which landed on the ice at La Crosse in 1928), visit http://www.wichitaphotos.org/graphics/wsu_tms353.0.0.2.jpg

Believing La Crosse was St. Paul, and Catgut Slough the St. Croix River, two airmen from Minneapolis made a forced landing on the ice in the middle of Catgut Slough last night at eight o’clock when the gasoline supply of the plane was exhausted. The plane was not damaged in the landing, and the occupants were uninjured. The plane took off this morning for Minneapolis.

Sufficient gasoline was taken to the plane from La Crosse to permit it to fly to the Country Club grounds where it was completely refueled. Merrill Maisack, professional at the club, few with MacDonald, pilot, during the world war.

G. A. MacDonald, chief pilot for Air Service Inc., was the pilot of the plane, a Swallow model No. C976, and his passenger was Norman G. Warsinke, general manager of the Mohawk Aircraft Corporation, both of Minneapolis.

Thought La Crosse Was St. Paul

Mr. Warsinke, who assumed the role of spokesman when the two were located in a La Crosse hotel shortly after the landing, said that they struck the Mississippi River about 15 miles south of La Crosse and followed it north.

“We were coming from a southern jaunt,” he said, “and struck a town about 15 miles to the south when we located the Mississippi River. We believed it to be Hastings, Minn., and upon striking La Crosse thought it was St. Paul.”

“Our gasoline supply was extremely low and we circled to find the landing field. Then we found it wasn’t St. Paul and that we were practically lost. We saw a beacon light flash to the northeast and made a quick flight there in the hope that it was marking a ‘hole’ or landing field.”

“We were disappointed there, and then struck back to the city. We again flew over the Mississippi River near a bridge - the wagon bridge - and were thinking of landing there. We came down gingerly and then saw the stars reflecting in the water. Boy, we didn’t gain attitude slow after that!”

“We then flew to the north and came upon the river where we later landed. We nearly crashed into the bridge over the stream, but an automobile headlight illuminated the structure and we barely cleared it, coming down on the ice in an excellent landing.”

Nearly Frozen

After landing, the men drained the half-gallon of gasoline remaining in the tank and soaked several rages which they set on fire to warm their hands. “It was darned cold and we were nearly frozen,” said MacDonald.

The two then shouted for help, the cries being heard by several persons. La Verne Martelle, 19, and Lyle Monti, 16, were the rescuers of the two. They broke the thin ice along the west shore and managed to get to the firm ice, where the plane had landed, with a boat.

MacDonald an Warsinke were taken to a downtown hotel where they spent the night.

They were scheduled to be at the airport in Minneapolis Sunday night at seven o’clock, according to Warsinke.

Note: For a 1928 photo of Charles Lindbergh in a Swallow airplane (similar to the plane which landed on the ice at La Crosse in 1928), visit http://www.wichitaphotos.org/graphics/wsu_tms353.0.0.2.jpg

Believing La Crosse was St. Paul, and Catgut Slough the St. Croix River, two airmen from Minneapolis made a forced landing on the ice in the middle of Catgut Slough last night at eight o’clock when the gasoline supply of the plane was exhausted. The plane was not damaged in the landing, and the occupants were uninjured. The plane took off this morning for Minneapolis.

Sufficient gasoline was taken to the plane from La Crosse to permit it to fly to the Country Club grounds where it was completely refueled. Merrill Maisack, professional at the club, few with MacDonald, pilot, during the world war.

G. A. MacDonald, chief pilot for Air Service Inc., was the pilot of the plane, a Swallow model No. C976, and his passenger was Norman G. Warsinke, general manager of the Mohawk Aircraft Corporation, both of Minneapolis.

Thought La Crosse Was St. Paul

Mr. Warsinke, who assumed the role of spokesman when the two were located in a La Crosse hotel shortly after the landing, said that they struck the Mississippi River about 15 miles south of La Crosse and followed it north.

“We were coming from a southern jaunt,” he said, “and struck a town about 15 miles to the south when we located the Mississippi River. We believed it to be Hastings, Minn., and upon striking La Crosse thought it was St. Paul.”

“Our gasoline supply was extremely low and we circled to find the landing field. Then we found it wasn’t St. Paul and that we were practically lost. We saw a beacon light flash to the northeast and made a quick flight there in the hope that it was marking a ‘hole’ or landing field.”

“We were disappointed there, and then struck back to the city. We again flew over the Mississippi River near a bridge - the wagon bridge - and were thinking of landing there. We came down gingerly and then saw the stars reflecting in the water. Boy, we didn’t gain attitude slow after that!”

“We then flew to the north and came upon the river where we later landed. We nearly crashed into the bridge over the stream, but an automobile headlight illuminated the structure and we barely cleared it, coming down on the ice in an excellent landing.”

Nearly Frozen

After landing, the men drained the half-gallon of gasoline remaining in the tank and soaked several rages which they set on fire to warm their hands. “It was darned cold and we were nearly frozen,” said MacDonald.

The two then shouted for help, the cries being heard by several persons. La Verne Martelle, 19, and Lyle Monti, 16, were the rescuers of the two. They broke the thin ice along the west shore and managed to get to the firm ice, where the plane had landed, with a boat.

MacDonald an Warsinke were taken to a downtown hotel where they spent the night.

They were scheduled to be at the airport in Minneapolis Sunday night at seven o’clock, according to Warsinke.

Note: For a 1928 photo of Charles Lindbergh in a Swallow airplane (similar to the plane which landed on the ice at La Crosse in 1928), visit http://www.wichitaphotos.org/graphics/wsu_tms353.0.0.2.jpg

Believing La Crosse was St. Paul, and Catgut Slough the St. Croix River, two airmen from Minneapolis made a forced landing on the ice in the middle of Catgut Slough last night at eight o’clock when the gasoline supply of the plane was exhausted. The plane was not damaged in the landing, and the occupants were uninjured. The plane took off this morning for Minneapolis.

Sufficient gasoline was taken to the plane from La Crosse to permit it to fly to the Country Club grounds where it was completely refueled. Merrill Maisack, professional at the club, few with MacDonald, pilot, during the world war.

G. A. MacDonald, chief pilot for Air Service Inc., was the pilot of the plane, a Swallow model No. C976, and his passenger was Norman G. Warsinke, general manager of the Mohawk Aircraft Corporation, both of Minneapolis.

Thought La Crosse Was St. Paul

Mr. Warsinke, who assumed the role of spokesman when the two were located in a La Crosse hotel shortly after the landing, said that they struck the Mississippi River about 15 miles south of La Crosse and followed it north.

“We were coming from a southern jaunt,” he said, “and struck a town about 15 miles to the south when we located the Mississippi River. We believed it to be Hastings, Minn., and upon striking La Crosse thought it was St. Paul.”

“Our gasoline supply was extremely low and we circled to find the landing field. Then we found it wasn’t St. Paul and that we were practically lost. We saw a beacon light flash to the northeast and made a quick flight there in the hope that it was marking a ‘hole’ or landing field.”

“We were disappointed there, and then struck back to the city. We again flew over the Mississippi River near a bridge - the wagon bridge - and were thinking of landing there. We came down gingerly and then saw the stars reflecting in the water. Boy, we didn’t gain attitude slow after that!”

“We then flew to the north and came upon the river where we later landed. We nearly crashed into the bridge over the stream, but an automobile headlight illuminated the structure and we barely cleared it, coming down on the ice in an excellent landing.”

Nearly Frozen

After landing, the men drained the half-gallon of gasoline remaining in the tank and soaked several rages which they set on fire to warm their hands. “It was darned cold and we were nearly frozen,” said MacDonald.

The two then shouted for help, the cries being heard by several persons. La Verne Martelle, 19, and Lyle Monti, 16, were the rescuers of the two. They broke the thin ice along the west shore and managed to get to the firm ice, where the plane had landed, with a boat.

MacDonald an Warsinke were taken to a downtown hotel where they spent the night.

They were scheduled to be at the airport in Minneapolis Sunday night at seven o’clock, according to Warsinke.

Note: For a 1928 photo of Charles Lindbergh in a Swallow airplane (similar to the plane which landed on the ice at La Crosse in 1928), visit http://www.wichitaphotos.org/graphics/wsu_tms353.0.0.2.jpg

Believing La Crosse was St. Paul, and Catgut Slough the St. Croix River, two airmen from Minneapolis made a forced landing on the ice in the middle of Catgut Slough last night at eight o’clock when the gasoline supply of the plane was exhausted. The plane was not damaged in the landing, and the occupants were uninjured. The plane took off this morning for Minneapolis.

Sufficient gasoline was taken to the plane from La Crosse to permit it to fly to the Country Club grounds where it was completely refueled. Merrill Maisack, professional at the club, few with MacDonald, pilot, during the world war.

G. A. MacDonald, chief pilot for Air Service Inc., was the pilot of the plane, a Swallow model No. C976, and his passenger was Norman G. Warsinke, general manager of the Mohawk Aircraft Corporation, both of Minneapolis.

Thought La Crosse Was St. Paul

Mr. Warsinke, who assumed the role of spokesman when the two were located in a La Crosse hotel shortly after the landing, said that they struck the Mississippi River about 15 miles south of La Crosse and followed it north.

“We were coming from a southern jaunt,” he said, “and struck a town about 15 miles to the south when we located the Mississippi River. We believed it to be Hastings, Minn., and upon striking La Crosse thought it was St. Paul.”

“Our gasoline supply was extremely low and we circled to find the landing field. Then we found it wasn’t St. Paul and that we were practically lost. We saw a beacon light flash to the northeast and made a quick flight there in the hope that it was marking a ‘hole’ or landing field.”

“We were disappointed there, and then struck back to the city. We again flew over the Mississippi River near a bridge - the wagon bridge - and were thinking of landing there. We came down gingerly and then saw the stars reflecting in the water. Boy, we didn’t gain attitude slow after that!”

“We then flew to the north and came upon the river where we later landed. We nearly crashed into the bridge over the stream, but an automobile headlight illuminated the structure and we barely cleared it, coming down on the ice in an excellent landing.”

Nearly Frozen

After landing, the men drained the half-gallon of gasoline remaining in the tank and soaked several rages which they set on fire to warm their hands. “It was darned cold and we were nearly frozen,” said MacDonald.

The two then shouted for help, the cries being heard by several persons. La Verne Martelle, 19, and Lyle Monti, 16, were the rescuers of the two. They broke the thin ice along the west shore and managed to get to the firm ice, where the plane had landed, with a boat.

MacDonald an Warsinke were taken to a downtown hotel where they spent the night.

They were scheduled to be at the airport in Minneapolis Sunday night at seven o’clock, according to Warsinke.

Note: For a 1928 photo of Charles Lindbergh in a Swallow airplane (similar to the plane which landed on the ice at La Crosse in 1928), visit http://www.wichitaphotos.org/graphics/wsu_tms353.0.0.2.jpg

Believing La Crosse was St. Paul, and Catgut Slough the St. Croix River, two airmen from Minneapolis made a forced landing on the ice in the middle of Catgut Slough last night at eight o’clock when the gasoline supply of the plane was exhausted. The plane was not damaged in the landing, and the occupants were uninjured. The plane took off this morning for Minneapolis.

Sufficient gasoline was taken to the plane from La Crosse to permit it to fly to the Country Club grounds where it was completely refueled. Merrill Maisack, professional at the club, few with MacDonald, pilot, during the world war.

G. A. MacDonald, chief pilot for Air Service Inc., was the pilot of the plane, a Swallow model No. C976, and his passenger was Norman G. Warsinke, general manager of the Mohawk Aircraft Corporation, both of Minneapolis.

Thought La Crosse Was St. Paul

Mr. Warsinke, who assumed the role of spokesman when the two were located in a La Crosse hotel shortly after the landing, said that they struck the Mississippi River about 15 miles south of La Crosse and followed it north.

“We were coming from a southern jaunt,” he said, “and struck a town about 15 miles to the south when we located the Mississippi River. We believed it to be Hastings, Minn., and upon striking La Crosse thought it was St. Paul.”

“Our gasoline supply was extremely low and we circled to find the landing field. Then we found it wasn’t St. Paul and that we were practically lost. We saw a beacon light flash to the northeast and made a quick flight there in the hope that it was marking a ‘hole’ or landing field.”

“We were disappointed there, and then struck back to the city. We again flew over the Mississippi River near a bridge - the wagon bridge - and were thinking of landing there. We came down gingerly and then saw the stars reflecting in the water. Boy, we didn’t gain attitude slow after that!”

“We then flew to the north and came upon the river where we later landed. We nearly crashed into the bridge over the stream, but an automobile headlight illuminated the structure and we barely cleared it, coming down on the ice in an excellent landing.”

Nearly Frozen

After landing, the men drained the half-gallon of gasoline remaining in the tank and soaked several rages which they set on fire to warm their hands. “It was darned cold and we were nearly frozen,” said MacDonald.

The two then shouted for help, the cries being heard by several persons. La Verne Martelle, 19, and Lyle Monti, 16, were the rescuers of the two. They broke the thin ice along the west shore and managed to get to the firm ice, where the plane had landed, with a boat.

MacDonald an Warsinke were taken to a downtown hotel where they spent the night.

They were scheduled to be at the airport in Minneapolis Sunday night at seven o’clock, according to Warsinke.

Note: For a 1928 photo of Charles Lindbergh in a Swallow airplane (similar to the plane which landed on the ice at La Crosse in 1928), visit http://www.wichitaphotos.org/graphics/wsu_tms353.0.0.2.jpg

Believing La Crosse was St. Paul, and Catgut Slough the St. Croix River, two airmen from Minneapolis made a forced landing on the ice in the middle of Catgut Slough last night at eight o’clock when the gasoline supply of the plane was exhausted. The plane was not damaged in the landing, and the occupants were uninjured. The plane took off this morning for Minneapolis.

Sufficient gasoline was taken to the plane from La Crosse to permit it to fly to the Country Club grounds where it was completely refueled. Merrill Maisack, professional at the club, few with MacDonald, pilot, during the world war.

G. A. MacDonald, chief pilot for Air Service Inc., was the pilot of the plane, a Swallow model No. C976, and his passenger was Norman G. Warsinke, general manager of the Mohawk Aircraft Corporation, both of Minneapolis.

Thought La Crosse Was St. Paul

Mr. Warsinke, who assumed the role of spokesman when the two were located in a La Crosse hotel shortly after the landing, said that they struck the Mississippi River about 15 miles south of La Crosse and followed it north.

“We were coming from a southern jaunt,” he said, “and struck a town about 15 miles to the south when we located the Mississippi River. We believed it to be Hastings, Minn., and upon striking La Crosse thought it was St. Paul.”

“Our gasoline supply was extremely low and we circled to find the landing field. Then we found it wasn’t St. Paul and that we were practically lost. We saw a beacon light flash to the northeast and made a quick flight there in the hope that it was marking a ‘hole’ or landing field.”

“We were disappointed there, and then struck back to the city. We again flew over the Mississippi River near a bridge - the wagon bridge - and were thinking of landing there. We came down gingerly and then saw the stars reflecting in the water. Boy, we didn’t gain attitude slow after that!”

“We then flew to the north and came upon the river where we later landed. We nearly crashed into the bridge over the stream, but an automobile headlight illuminated the structure and we barely cleared it, coming down on the ice in an excellent landing.”

Nearly Frozen

After landing, the men drained the half-gallon of gasoline remaining in the tank and soaked several rages which they set on fire to warm their hands. “It was darned cold and we were nearly frozen,” said MacDonald.

The two then shouted for help, the cries being heard by several persons. La Verne Martelle, 19, and Lyle Monti, 16, were the rescuers of the two. They broke the thin ice along the west shore and managed to get to the firm ice, where the plane had landed, with a boat.

MacDonald an Warsinke were taken to a downtown hotel where they spent the night.

They were scheduled to be at the airport in Minneapolis Sunday night at seven o’clock, according to Warsinke.

Note: For a 1928 photo of Charles Lindbergh in a Swallow airplane (similar to the plane which landed on the ice at La Crosse in 1928), visit http://www.wichitaphotos.org/graphics/wsu_tms353.0.0.2.jpg

Believing La Crosse was St. Paul, and Catgut Slough the St. Croix River, two airmen from Minneapolis made a forced landing on the ice in the middle of Catgut Slough last night at eight o’clock when the gasoline supply of the plane was exhausted. The plane was not damaged in the landing, and the occupants were uninjured. The plane took off this morning for Minneapolis.

Sufficient gasoline was taken to the plane from La Crosse to permit it to fly to the Country Club grounds where it was completely refueled. Merrill Maisack, professional at the club, few with MacDonald, pilot, during the world war.

G. A. MacDonald, chief pilot for Air Service Inc., was the pilot of the plane, a Swallow model No. C976, and his passenger was Norman G. Warsinke, general manager of the Mohawk Aircraft Corporation, both of Minneapolis.

Thought La Crosse Was St. Paul

Mr. Warsinke, who assumed the role of spokesman when the two were located in a La Crosse hotel shortly after the landing, said that they struck the Mississippi River about 15 miles south of La Crosse and followed it north.

“We were coming from a southern jaunt,” he said, “and struck a town about 15 miles to the south when we located the Mississippi River. We believed it to be Hastings, Minn., and upon striking La Crosse thought it was St. Paul.”

“Our gasoline supply was extremely low and we circled to find the landing field. Then we found it wasn’t St. Paul and that we were practically lost. We saw a beacon light flash to the northeast and made a quick flight there in the hope that it was marking a ‘hole’ or landing field.”

“We were disappointed there, and then struck back to the city. We again flew over the Mississippi River near a bridge - the wagon bridge - and were thinking of landing there. We came down gingerly and then saw the stars reflecting in the water. Boy, we didn’t gain attitude slow after that!”

“We then flew to the north and came upon the river where we later landed. We nearly crashed into the bridge over the stream, but an automobile headlight illuminated the structure and we barely cleared it, coming down on the ice in an excellent landing.”

Nearly Frozen

After landing, the men drained the half-gallon of gasoline remaining in the tank and soaked several rages which they set on fire to warm their hands. “It was darned cold and we were nearly frozen,” said MacDonald.

The two then shouted for help, the cries being heard by several persons. La Verne Martelle, 19, and Lyle Monti, 16, were the rescuers of the two. They broke the thin ice along the west shore and managed to get to the firm ice, where the plane had landed, with a boat.

MacDonald an Warsinke were taken to a downtown hotel where they spent the night.

They were scheduled to be at the airport in Minneapolis Sunday night at seven o’clock, according to Warsinke.

Note: For a 1928 photo of Charles Lindbergh in a Swallow airplane (similar to the plane which landed on the ice at La Crosse in 1928), visit http://www.wichitaphotos.org/graphics/wsu_tms353.0.0.2.jpg

Believing La Crosse was St. Paul, and Catgut Slough the St. Croix River, two airmen from Minneapolis made a forced landing on the ice in the middle of Catgut Slough last night at eight o’clock when the gasoline supply of the plane was exhausted. The plane was not damaged in the landing, and the occupants were uninjured. The plane took off this morning for Minneapolis.

Sufficient gasoline was taken to the plane from La Crosse to permit it to fly to the Country Club grounds where it was completely refueled. Merrill Maisack, professional at the club, few with MacDonald, pilot, during the world war.

G. A. MacDonald, chief pilot for Air Service Inc., was the pilot of the plane, a Swallow model No. C976, and his passenger was Norman G. Warsinke, general manager of the Mohawk Aircraft Corporation, both of Minneapolis.

Thought La Crosse Was St. Paul

Mr. Warsinke, who assumed the role of spokesman when the two were located in a La Crosse hotel shortly after the landing, said that they struck the Mississippi River about 15 miles south of La Crosse and followed it north.

“We were coming from a southern jaunt,” he said, “and struck a town about 15 miles to the south when we located the Mississippi River. We believed it to be Hastings, Minn., and upon striking La Crosse thought it was St. Paul.”

“Our gasoline supply was extremely low and we circled to find the landing field. Then we found it wasn’t St. Paul and that we were practically lost. We saw a beacon light flash to the northeast and made a quick flight there in the hope that it was marking a ‘hole’ or landing field.”

“We were disappointed there, and then struck back to the city. We again flew over the Mississippi River near a bridge - the wagon bridge - and were thinking of landing there. We came down gingerly and then saw the stars reflecting in the water. Boy, we didn’t gain attitude slow after that!”

“We then flew to the north and came upon the river where we later landed. We nearly crashed into the bridge over the stream, but an automobile headlight illuminated the structure and we barely cleared it, coming down on the ice in an excellent landing.”

Nearly Frozen

After landing, the men drained the half-gallon of gasoline remaining in the tank and soaked several rages which they set on fire to warm their hands. “It was darned cold and we were nearly frozen,” said MacDonald.

The two then shouted for help, the cries being heard by several persons. La Verne Martelle, 19, and Lyle Monti, 16, were the rescuers of the two. They broke the thin ice along the west shore and managed to get to the firm ice, where the plane had landed, with a boat.

MacDonald an Warsinke were taken to a downtown hotel where they spent the night.

They were scheduled to be at the airport in Minneapolis Sunday night at seven o’clock, according to Warsinke.

Note: For a 1928 photo of Charles Lindbergh in a Swallow airplane (similar to the plane which landed on the ice at La Crosse in 1928), visit http://www.wichitaphotos.org/graphics/wsu_tms353.0.0.2.jpg

Believing La Crosse was St. Paul, and Catgut Slough the St. Croix River, two airmen from Minneapolis made a forced landing on the ice in the middle of Catgut Slough last night at eight o’clock when the gasoline supply of the plane was exhausted. The plane was not damaged in the landing, and the occupants were uninjured. The plane took off this morning for Minneapolis.

Sufficient gasoline was taken to the plane from La Crosse to permit it to fly to the Country Club grounds where it was completely refueled. Merrill Maisack, professional at the club, few with MacDonald, pilot, during the world war.

G. A. MacDonald, chief pilot for Air Service Inc., was the pilot of the plane, a Swallow model No. C976, and his passenger was Norman G. Warsinke, general manager of the Mohawk Aircraft Corporation, both of Minneapolis.

Thought La Crosse Was St. Paul

Mr. Warsinke, who assumed the role of spokesman when the two were located in a La Crosse hotel shortly after the landing, said that they struck the Mississippi River about 15 miles south of La Crosse and followed it north.

“We were coming from a southern jaunt,” he said, “and struck a town about 15 miles to the south when we located the Mississippi River. We believed it to be Hastings, Minn., and upon striking La Crosse thought it was St. Paul.”

“Our gasoline supply was extremely low and we circled to find the landing field. Then we found it wasn’t St. Paul and that we were practically lost. We saw a beacon light flash to the northeast and made a quick flight there in the hope that it was marking a ‘hole’ or landing field.”

“We were disappointed there, and then struck back to the city. We again flew over the Mississippi River near a bridge - the wagon bridge - and were thinking of landing there. We came down gingerly and then saw the stars reflecting in the water. Boy, we didn’t gain attitude slow after that!”

“We then flew to the north and came upon the river where we later landed. We nearly crashed into the bridge over the stream, but an automobile headlight illuminated the structure and we barely cleared it, coming down on the ice in an excellent landing.”

Nearly Frozen

After landing, the men drained the half-gallon of gasoline remaining in the tank and soaked several rages which they set on fire to warm their hands. “It was darned cold and we were nearly frozen,” said MacDonald.

The two then shouted for help, the cries being heard by several persons. La Verne Martelle, 19, and Lyle Monti, 16, were the rescuers of the two. They broke the thin ice along the west shore and managed to get to the firm ice, where the plane had landed, with a boat.

MacDonald an Warsinke were taken to a downtown hotel where they spent the night.

They were scheduled to be at the airport in Minneapolis Sunday night at seven o’clock, according to Warsinke.

Note: For a 1928 photo of Charles Lindbergh in a Swallow airplane (similar to the plane which landed on the ice at La Crosse in 1928), visit http://www.wichitaphotos.org/graphics/wsu_tms353.0.0.2.jpg

Believing La Crosse was St. Paul, and Catgut Slough the St. Croix River, two airmen from Minneapolis made a forced landing on the ice in the middle of Catgut Slough last night at eight o’clock when the gasoline supply of the plane was exhausted. The plane was not damaged in the landing, and the occupants were uninjured. The plane took off this morning for Minneapolis.

Sufficient gasoline was taken to the plane from La Crosse to permit it to fly to the Country Club grounds where it was completely refueled. Merrill Maisack, professional at the club, few with MacDonald, pilot, during the world war.

G. A. MacDonald, chief pilot for Air Service Inc., was the pilot of the plane, a Swallow model No. C976, and his passenger was Norman G. Warsinke, general manager of the Mohawk Aircraft Corporation, both of Minneapolis.

Thought La Crosse Was St. Paul

Mr. Warsinke, who assumed the role of spokesman when the two were located in a La Crosse hotel shortly after the landing, said that they struck the Mississippi River about 15 miles south of La Crosse and followed it north.

“We were coming from a southern jaunt,” he said, “and struck a town about 15 miles to the south when we located the Mississippi River. We believed it to be Hastings, Minn., and upon striking La Crosse thought it was St. Paul.”

“Our gasoline supply was extremely low and we circled to find the landing field. Then we found it wasn’t St. Paul and that we were practically lost. We saw a beacon light flash to the northeast and made a quick flight there in the hope that it was marking a ‘hole’ or landing field.”

“We were disappointed there, and then struck back to the city. We again flew over the Mississippi River near a bridge - the wagon bridge - and were thinking of landing there. We came down gingerly and then saw the stars reflecting in the water. Boy, we didn’t gain attitude slow after that!”

“We then flew to the north and came upon the river where we later landed. We nearly crashed into the bridge over the stream, but an automobile headlight illuminated the structure and we barely cleared it, coming down on the ice in an excellent landing.”

Nearly Frozen

After landing, the men drained the half-gallon of gasoline remaining in the tank and soaked several rages which they set on fire to warm their hands. “It was darned cold and we were nearly frozen,” said MacDonald.

The two then shouted for help, the cries being heard by several persons. La Verne Martelle, 19, and Lyle Monti, 16, were the rescuers of the two. They broke the thin ice along the west shore and managed to get to the firm ice, where the plane had landed, with a boat.

MacDonald an Warsinke were taken to a downtown hotel where they spent the night.

They were scheduled to be at the airport in Minneapolis Sunday night at seven o’clock, according to Warsinke.

Note: For a 1928 photo of Charles Lindbergh in a Swallow airplane (similar to the plane which landed on the ice at La Crosse in 1928), visit http://www.wichitaphotos.org/graphics/wsu_tms353.0.0.2.jpg