Fred E. Bamberger witnessed one of the most infamous events in aviation history the explosion of the German airship Hindenburg at Naval Air Station Lakehurst, New Jersey.
On May 6th, 1937, Bamberger was working for Acme News Pictures and happened to be present when the massive Zeppelin arrived from Germany on what was expected to be a routine transatlantic voyage. As the airship prepared to dock, disaster struck. Within moments, the Hindenburg erupted into flames and was consumed in a catastrophic fire that shocked the world and effectively ended the era of passenger airships.
When Fred looked up, he noticed a streak of fire above the fin of the Zeppelin. Bamberger put his Speed Graphic camera to his eye and began photographing. Because of the rain, his camera locked up. Quickly reacting, Fred reached underneath his jacket and whipped out his Zeiss Contax 35mm camera.
Witnessing the massive explosion, Fred continued to photograph as the Hindenburg crashed to the ground. The explosion was so powerful Fred's eyebrows were burned off his face from the hydrogen that kept fueling the burning Zepplin. Shocked in disbelief, Fred moved closer. As he was approaching, he saw people jumping out of the Hindenburg, trying to escape.
Today, WarbirdArchives.com preserves Fred Bamberger's story and the historic moments he witnessed, ensuring that future generations can connect with the people and events that helped define the age of flight.
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