Route through the pole. How Valery Chkalov made a new discovery of America

Chkalov in America

Visiting the American General

We were racing through the streets small town Vancouver, where the rainy morning grew. Based on some signs, it was possible to determine that many neighborhoods were inhabited by the military.

We stopped near a two-story mansion. We were warmly greeted by the general's wife and daughter, apparently warned by him.

Introducing us to his family, the general called Valery “chief pilot,” me “co-pilot,” and Belyakov “navigater.” The housewives have already prepared breakfast. We were invited upstairs to the second floor to refresh ourselves and rest.

General Marshall understood from conversations that we would like to change into warm flying clothes. He immediately began bringing us civilian suits from his wardrobe. The general and I laughed for a long time when, trying on Sir Marshall's trousers, I was forced to fasten the buttons just below the chin. Even Alexander Vasilyevich, the tallest of us, had to refuse the general’s kind offer due to the enormous size of the owner’s suits.

Soon Valery was invited to the telephone. He hurried to the device. The general himself was holding the phone.

I called San Francisco, where Alexander Antonovich Troyanovsky, the USSR plenipotentiary representative to the USA (as Soviet ambassadors were called before), was waiting for us.

I report that the government’s task has been completed. We were ordered to fly over the pole and land on the American continent. Stalin said: it’s enough if we sit in Canada. We flew through it and landed in the USA. After breakfast we took a bath and shaved. True, the reporters still managed to photograph the unshaven Chkalov next to General Marshall.

As we were getting ready to sleep, an interpreter came in and asked one of the crew to answer the phone. Moscow called.

For the first time in history, a radiotelephone conversation took place between Moscow and Portland.

Moscow. Who's speaking?

Portland. At the Baidukov apparatus.

Moscow. Members of the government commission are People's Commissar of Communications P. A. Khalepsky and Deputy People's Commissar of Defense Industry M. M. Kaganovich. Congratulations on your successful flight. How are you feeling?

I answered. Everyone is healthy and landed safely. On behalf of the crew, I convey greetings to the party, the government, Comrade Stalin, members of the Politburo, and the socialist Motherland.

Moscow. We all hug and kiss you and send warm greetings!

Soon we were fast asleep.

And at this time a telegram was flying from Washington to Moscow: “On June 20 at 16.30 GMT, Moscow time at 19.30 Chkalov landed at Barake airfield, near Portland (Washington state). Umansky."

The flight headquarters prepared a text, which was signed by members of the Government Commission on the organization non-stop flight, and passed it on to the press for publication. Here are some excerpts from it.

“Message from the Government Commission on the organization of non-stop flight Moscow - North Pole- North America.

...The non-stop flight, unprecedented in history, Moscow - North Pole - North America has been completed. The dream of humanity has come true.

The heroic crew of the ANT-25 aircraft consisting of Heroes Soviet Union vol. Chkalov, Baidukov and Belyakov, departing on June 18 this year. at 4 hours 5 minutes Moscow time from the Shchelkovo airfield (near Moscow), flew along the route: Moscow - Onega - White Sea - Kola Peninsula - Barents Sea - Franz Josef Land - North Pole - Arctic Ocean (Pole of Inaccessibility) - Patrick Island - Cape Pierce Point (northern coast of Canada), crossed Canada (Fort Simpson, Alberta, British Columbia). The crew decided to cross the Rocky Mountains here and reached the Pacific coast; went to Tillemook Bay (Oregon), entered the United States and on June 20 at 19:30 Moscow time landed at Barake airfield, near Portland (Washington).

The plane was in the air for 63 hours and 25 minutes. During this time, over 10 thousand kilometers of ground travel and 12 thousand kilometers of air travel were covered. The plane flew over oceans and ice for 5900 km. The flight altitude for most of the journey was 4000 meters or higher due to clouds and poor weather conditions...

...Exceptional art, Bolshevik courage and courage were demonstrated by the wonderful crew, who performed a truly brilliant flight, the greatest in history, conquering the harshest, most difficult part of the globe, opening a new era of man’s conquest of nature.

Government Commission for the Organization of Non-Stop Flights.”

Apparently, due to the loss of regular radio communication between the plane and radio stations in Canada and the USA, some details in the report about the flight of Chkalov’s crew turned out to be inaccurate.

But we learned about this official message much later. In the meantime, the entire trio, led by Chief Pilot Chkalov, slept peacefully on the second floor of General Marshall’s mansion.

At this time, Vancouver residents, photographers, correspondents and military men created such a commotion near General Marshall’s house that he simply lost his head when he saw movie cameras with “Jupiters” installed along the walls, and radio operators with microphones. The Western Union agency messengers came running one after another with congratulatory telegrams addressed to Chkalov. Blonde and as tall as her father, the pretty Miss Marshall received mail and gave interviews to numerous journalists, whom she seated at a large round table and treated to cocktails.

Out of the blue, Soviet plenipotentiary Troyanovsky appeared at Marshall's mansion, flown from San Francisco to Portland, despite the bad weather. The general became even more agitated. But the very calm, friendly tone of the Soviet plenipotentiary immediately relieved the tension. Troyanovsky streamlined the entire further procedure for the stay of the ANT-25 crew in the area of ​​the landing site.

The general reported that he had emptied all the wardrobes, but nothing fit the size of the Soviet pilots, and so he called tailors from Portland stores with ready-made suits. The plenipotentiary approved this and asked:

Are the pilots still sleeping?

Marshall expressed his concern: on the one hand, the guests sleep no more than three hours, and on the other, there are continuous calls from all cities in America and Canada and other countries.

You have seen, Mr. Ambassador, what is happening below: America wants to see Chkalov and his companions on our movie screens, to hear their voices.

The general led the plenipotentiary to the window, and Troyanovsky saw a large crowd. Bright open umbrellas swayed against the backdrop of fresh green fir and cedar trees.

Yes, I feel sorry for the guys,” the plenipotentiary sighed, “but we need to wake them up.”

Then Troyanovsky told how difficult it was to wake up our crew.

The chief pilot was pushed first, and he immediately recognized the plenipotentiary:

Comrade Troyanovsky! Well, thank God, we finally met.

Seeing Chkalov coming out of the bathroom in a general's robe, the tails of which he had hidden in his belt, our amazing boss, our smartest helper, Alexander Antonovich Troyanovsky, understood the whole comic side of the situation. He went out with the general, and 15 minutes later he returned, accompanied by some people with boxes and suitcases. These were representatives of various Portland firms who brought suits and tailors to fit our new clothes to our figures.

Well, my dear guests,” said Alexander Antonovich, smiling, “let’s dress up.”

Less than two hours had passed before we were re-equipped in the latest American fashion.

Troyanovsky immediately noticed that Chkalov was especially skillful in choosing the color and style of his suit and deftly tying his tie.

“You, Valery Pavlovich, dressed with great taste,” Alexander Antonovich approved.

This is one of the Moscow fashionistas,” I noted.

And you, Yagor, change your tie,” Chkalov seriously advised me.

While the equipment was being equipped, General Marshall, through Troyanovsky, asked Chkalov to give the owners of clothing stores until tomorrow our flight suits, which they wanted to hang in their windows for viewing and advertising. Troyanovsky, looking with intelligent brown eyes, conveyed to us the request of the American businessmen and advised us to respect it.

This is how our leather jackets and trousers ended up in the windows of fashionable ready-to-wear stores in Portland.

Dressed in American fashion, Chief Pilot Chkalov was very elegant and fit perfectly into his surroundings. The “diplomatic work” of the ANT-25 crew began.

Meanwhile, Troyanovsky took out some material from his briefcase, printed on a typewriter.

Here, my dears, are the first correspondence from the special correspondent of the Pravda newspaper R. Johnson about your arrival in America.

“New York, June 20 (special correspondent for Pravda). Chkalov's plane landed at Vancouver Barracks. This is a military airfield located near Portland...

...Due to strong headwinds, the plane had to consume more fuel than expected. There was the possibility of an emergency landing in an unknown and unsuitable place. Therefore, Chkalov decided to land in Portland.

Here in the USA, they attach great importance to the fact that the USSR-USA air route has been established through the North Pole. This is the first and main meaning of the victorious heroic flight.

Secondly, the significance of the flight, in the opinion of the widest circles of the United States, lies in the fact that for the first time a completely unexplored area of ​​the western hemisphere was crossed by plane, and at the same time, the magnetic pole was crossed for the first time by plane.

Thirdly, they note that the flight took place in extremely difficult conditions... The most dangerous section was between 84° and 50° latitude. During the flight through this section there was absolutely no two-way communication. The crew was guided mainly by their astronomical instruments.

Fourthly, since Lindbergh's flight 10 years ago, no other flight has ever evoked such universal, literally nationwide admiration and excitement in the United States. All American radio stations are broadcasting very detailed reports about the flight, and this is all they talk about today. The newspapers are filled with reports on the progress of the flight. The name of Chkalov is on the lips of all America. An enthusiastic reception awaits the Soviet pilots.”

“New York (special correspondent of Pravda). Your correspondent just talked with comrade. Baidukov, who reported that both himself and comrades Chkalov and Belyakov were in the most vigorous and cheerful mood, despite fatigue. Comrade Baidukov asked to convey through Pravda the warm greetings of the entire crew to the working people of the Soviet Union.

All three took a bath and lay down to rest.

The landing of the plane was carried out brilliantly and aroused everyone's admiration. A pilgrimage has begun to the airfield of thousands of people who, despite the pouring rain, flock here to see the plane, and if possible, the pilots.

The design of the aircraft and its dimensions are of great interest to American pilots and the public..."

How, Valery Pavlovich?

If we ignore the details, then, in general, Johnson is apparently close to the correct estimates.

What do you disagree with, Comrade Chkalov, in Johnson’s essays? - the plenipotentiary asked.

Alexander Antonovich! After all, you are a Russian person and you understand that the daily exaltation of your heroism makes you a superman. “And this is very unpleasant,” Valery answered seriously.

There was no need to fly to the USA, and even across the pole! - Troyanovsky said, smiling.

The conversation was interrupted by the appearance of the owner of the house. General Marshall invited the Soviet plenipotentiary and the ANT-25 crew to the dining room, where the table had already been set. Chkalov was gallant and attentive, smiled sweetly at the hostess of the house and her daughter, told them several compliments through Alexander Antonovich, thanked the entire Marshall family for their hospitality and asked for an apology for the disturbance that we had created with our air invasion.

Miss and Mrs. were pleased, and the general said frankly:

What a worry! You can’t imagine how lucky I am: I, an old warrior, have been sitting in this hole for a long time. But in the last war I commanded a division in Europe! With you I gain popularity, and in America this is more expensive than money...

Chkalov took a photo with the general, and in conversations with journalists he emphasized in every possible way the participation of the general and his family in the warm reception of the “Russian Flyers,” as the Americans now called us.

During lunch they brought a stack of telegrams. General Marshall suddenly began to smile and excitedly began to say something to Troyanovsky.

Yes, my friends,” said the plenipotentiary, “you have done something incredible...

Did they break anything? - Valery asked worriedly.

You overturned centuries-old traditions by forcing the president himself to send you a greeting on a Sunday when all US public life usually comes to a standstill.

Troyanovsky looked at the telegrams handed to him.

Less than ten minutes later, an excited messenger from the Western Union agency entered the dining room and handed the plenipotentiary a package. Troyanovsky became worried when he looked at the text of the telegram sent from Moscow. He stood up and read the telegram from the Politburo of the Party Central Committee.

"USA. Washington State, Portland. To the crew of the ANT-25 aircraft.

Chkalov, Baidukov, Belyakov.

We warmly congratulate you on your brilliant victory.

The successful completion of the heroic non-stop flight Moscow - North Pole - United States of America evokes the love and admiration of the working people of the entire Soviet Union.

We are proud of the brave and courageous Soviet pilots who know no barriers in achieving their goals.

We hug you and shake your hands.”

At this point we had no time for lunch, and if we talk about Chkalov, then he had no time for America, since the telegram from the Politburo of the Central Committee of the All-Union Communist Party of Bolsheviks took all his thoughts to his homeland, which had entrusted him with such a flight.

Soon they brought a telegram from the Secretary of the Komsomol Central Committee A. Kosarev and dozens of telegrams from all over America.

Americans want to see and hear Chkalov

Chkalov went to the window. The rain continued to fall. Valery saw a huge crowd covered by a swaying mosaic of umbrellas and parasols.

Troyanovsky and General Marshall invited Chkalov’s crew to come out to the crowd.

As soon as the chief pilot appeared on the balcony, the crowd of thousands became even more animated: hats flew into the air, applause thundered, and powerful shouts were heard:

Ur-ray, Russian Flyers! Ur-ray...

The largest American radio company, National Broadcasting Corporation, has already prepared everything for the program, which, as a representative of the radio company told Troyanovsky, at least 12 million Americans will listen to. First, the organizer of the program warmly welcomed the Soviet pilots, and then followed questions to the crew commander and his answers, which he immediately translated into English language our plenipotentiary

Question: What is the purpose of your flight?

Chkalov: We set ourselves the goal of proving the feasibility air communications USSR and USA via the North Pole along the shortest straight line.

Question: Do you think that it will be possible to organize regular air service along the same route in the future?

Chkalov: Undoubtedly. I think that such a project is quite feasible if aircraft with a sufficient ceiling - about 10 kilometers and at a decent speed - are supplied to this line.

Question: At what average altitude did you fly?

Chkalov: From 4 to 5, sometimes over 5 kilometers.

Question: Could you fly to Auckland if the weather cooperated? (According to a report from Vancouver, at the time of landing, visibility did not exceed 2 kilometers; elsewhere on the route, further south, visibility was zero, the clouds completely obscured the mountainous terrain, and only in the San Francisco area was it clear.)

Question: What were the weather conditions like during the flight?

Chkalov: The best conditions were over Barents Sea, in the area of ​​Franz Josef Land, partly above the pole itself, then in the area of ​​Patrick Island.

Question: How did you eat on the road?

Chkalov: We had a three-day supply - mainly fruits, vegetables, sandwiches, in addition, an emergency supply in concentrated form for a month.

Question: What was the situation with radio communications?

Chkalov: Radio communication was satisfactory, except for the section starting from Patrick Island. (Chkalov, with the modesty characteristic of a Russian, a Soviet hero, does not mention that in fact along the flight route, starting from Patrick Island and right up to landing in Vancouver, the plane was not able to receive meteorological reports for 22 hours.)

Question: A flight of such unprecedented magnitude undoubtedly required lengthy preparation. How long did it take?

Question: What are your plans now?

Chkalov: We are going to explore the United States a little, cities, some factories, and get acquainted with your technical achievements.

The radio announcer gave the floor to me and Belyakov, and then to Troyanovsky. After this, General Marshall came to the microphone and said:

“I am honored to have the honor of welcoming these brave gentlemen into my home.”

The Americans did not disperse for a long time, continuously greeting the Soviet pilots. They expected Chief Pilot Chkalov to say a few words to them in parting. And Valery gave a short brilliant speech. He said that there are rivers Columbia and Volga, which are located on different continents, have different dispositions and characters, their banks surround different mountains and forests, but they flow across the same planet, do not interfere with each other, and ultimately are elements of the same World Ocean. Likewise, our peoples - the peoples of the Soviet Union and the peoples of the USA - must live on the same globe peacefully and by working together to decorate the ocean of human life. He ended his speech like this:

Please accept from our great people wishes of happiness and prosperity to the peoples great America, which we brought on the red wings of the ANT-25, overcoming all the machinations and obstacles of the natural elements.

After the radio broadcast, we said goodbye to the public who had gathered in front of the general’s mansion, and went down from the balcony to the first floor, where we immediately fell under the bright rays of the “Jupiters” - filming began. These shots appeared on American screens the next day. Until late in the evening, cameramen did not give rest to Chkalov’s crew and plenipotentiary representative Troyanovsky. And Chkalov invited the owner of the house many times to stand next to us, remembering that this was so important for the general.

It hit us hard that day. And even more trouble fell on Troyanovsky, who acted not only as a plenipotentiary representative, but also as our translator and adviser. Chkalov was already patiently and habitually writing autographs on sheets of paper, in notepads and albums, taking the desired pose in front of photo or movie cameras, and even praising the Coca-Cola drink. Only at 10 pm the last visitors left, and Chkalov, taking off his formal clothes, said:

Well, Alexander Antonovich, how meticulous your Americans are - they gave both you and us a job that is no easier than flying over the pole.

This is just the beginning,” Troyanovsky said with a smile. - Further, all this will increase hyperbolically, since you really surprised the Americans, and they, I would say, fell in love with you.

But what is this for? - Valery was surprised.

Well, first of all, for the fact that they got to them despite the assurances of the Hearst press, which trumpeted the inability of the Soviets to carry out such an enterprise, especially after the death of Willie Post, who in 1935 tried to forestall Levanevsky’s flight across the pole, and Levanevsky himself was forced to return from the route.

Well, what else? - Chkalov asked.

The average American realized that he had so far been deceived in the most brazen manner. It is no coincidence that yesterday representatives of the press were amazed to see an engine of Soviet origin on the ANT-25. The Americans were convinced that it would be possible to fly a single-engine plane if it were American or British...

During the conversation, a messenger came again with telegrams to Valery Pavlovich from Olga Erasmovna and her son.

The next day, the Soviet pilots had much more worries than yesterday.

After breakfast with General Marshall, the crew left for Barak airfield to complete a number of formalities.

Several American officials handling the flight disapproved of the crew's decision to give away free everything that was not part of the aircraft. Many shook their heads sadly, saying that the Russian pilots clearly missed the opportunity to get rich on souvenirs.

From the airfield, General Marshall took Chkalov's crew and the Soviet plenipotentiary to his office, where we were given high official honors. By order of the general, ranks of soldiers were lined up, with American banners flying in front of them. There were ancient cannons nearby. In honor of the Soviet plenipotentiary and the Russian Flyers, a parade was held, which was hosted by Troyanovsky. Nineteen traditional shots from ancient guns created such a smoke screen that the parade ground, the dense grove, and even the troops participating in the parade were hidden from our view.

After that, we got into the cars and, accompanied by an escort of policemen on motorcycles, rushed at breakneck speed through the streets of the excited city of Vancouver. This trip to the city government building through narrow streets clogged with people and cars was accomplished with such unsurpassed skill that it seemed to us; we are driving through the circus arena.

Don’t be surprised, friends,” said Troyanovsky, “all this is being done in a purely American spirit.”

The day was sunny and hot. Hundreds of autograph lovers, film and photo reporters gathered in front of the city hall. We were greeted with whistles. This is how Americans express approval and goodwill.

We didn’t stay long with the mayor of Vancouver, as we were soon to be at the Portland Chamber of Commerce, where we rushed across the Columbia Bridge to the howl of police motorcycle circus sirens. Washington State Police saluted us at the end of the bridge as Oregon State Police were already waiting for us on the other side of the river. The sound of Portland police sirens was even more desperate.

Damn it! How they rush,” Valery said, shaking his head.

The reception at the Portland Chamber of Commerce, where guests were greeted by the state's governor himself, was broadcast across America. Speaking in response, the ANT-25 commander said that our country respects American efficiency, high skill of workers, and high-quality equipment.

We learn all this from everyone, and first of all from you. But we promise not only to catch up with you in the competition for the development of technology, but also to surpass you. And we ask you to forgive us for the fact that we, Soviet pilots, were the first to cross the pole to you.

When Troyanovsky translated this speech, the applause did not cease for a long time in the Portland Chamber of Commerce. Then Belyakov and I spoke, followed by our plenipotentiary. The state governor spoke after him. Towards the end of Charles Martin's speech, three beauty queens appeared in the hall with wreaths of white roses. Smiling sweetly, the beauties put these wreaths on the Soviet pilots. Valery accepted this honor without much surprise, although he did not imagine that the Americans borrowed such a custom from the Hawaiians and it serves as a sign of the highest honor and respect for illustrious guests.

After the gun salute, the mayor of the city asked Chkalov’s crew to go out to the square, where a huge festive crowd had gathered.

Accompanied by the plenipotentiary, the governor of Oregon, the mayor of Portland and many officials, the Soviet pilots with wreaths around their necks walked through the streets filled with citizens.

We were accompanied by shouts, whistles, exclamations of “Hurray, Russian Flyers!”, gestures blessing Chkalov, and smiles, smiles, smiles.

A comfortable Douglas passenger plane from United Airlines received the crew of the ANT-25 to take them to San Francisco, as envisaged by plans for their further stay in America.

The plane, in addition to the USSR plenipotentiary representative to the USA and the crew of Chkalov, had on board representatives of all three United States telegraph agencies, the press, including TASS correspondent Duranty. Naturally, during the hours of flight, the chief pilot of the ANT-25 had to conduct a lot of conversations and give many interviews. When asked what the most important scientific result was achieved by flying over the North Pole, Chkalov replied:

In my opinion, the most significant achievement of the flight was the meteorological discoveries. We have established that the height of Arctic clouds is on average 6–7 kilometers instead of three, as previously assumed.

TASS correspondent Duranty asked Chkalov:

How severe were the icing events?

There was a moment when, within a few tens of minutes,” answered Valery, “our red-winged giant became so icy that it took 15 hours for the ice to weather under the influence of the sun and the flow of air.

Chkalov’s conversation with the correspondents was interrupted by a very pretty flight attendant, who brought coffee, tea, sandwiches and a huge magnificent cake with the flags of the USSR and the USA and a friendly inscription in Russian: “Greetings to the Soviet pilots” into the passenger cabin.

At this time, the USSR Plenipotentiary Envoy to the USA, Troyanovsky, received a telegram from the President of the New York Research Club addressed to Stalin and Molotov.

“On behalf of the employees and members of the New York Explorers Club, I have the honor to extend congratulations on one of the greatest feats of exploration and flight in the history of aviation. Researchers around the world bow to your government for the active and constant support that has been given to Arctic researchers for several years.

Villamur Stefanson."

A TASS correspondent showed the Daily Worker with the greetings of the plenum of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the USA to Chkalov and his crew: “The plenum with joy and pride greets you, our heroic comrades, on the occasion of this historic flight, which is an outstanding triumph of the brilliant achievements of Soviet science and aviation. All of America, the whole world admires your wonderful feat of conquering the hitherto unconquered regions of the Arctic. But we know, just like you know, that such feats can only take place in a country of socialism under the leadership of the Bolshevik Party...”

After listening to the telegram, Chkalov said:

This is from another America, Egor...

TASS correspondent Duranty drew attention to the greetings to the ANT-25 crew published in Soviet newspapers on June 20, 21 and 22. Kind words were said by Alexey Stakhanov, the founder of the great working class movement in our country, the famous steelmaker Makar Mazai, the famous machinist Pyotr Krivonos, and the heroine of collective farm labor, tractor driver Pasha Angelina.

Paying tribute to the American pilots who brought us to San Francisco, Valery Pavlovich, through Troyanovsky, agreed with the flight attendant so that she would transfer part of the cake presented to the Soviet pilots to the Douglas crew. Chkalov and the flight attendant went to see the pilots.

The American pilots were very touched by the attention of the “Chief Pilot of the Russian Flyers” and almost until landing they forced Valery to try to fly their plane, then they treated him to cigarettes and many times asked for autographs on a variety of paper products. The Douglas crew gave Chkalov a fountain pen illuminated by a tiny battery so that the pilot could take notes without turning on other light sources at night.

About fifteen minutes before landing the weather became sunny, without a single cloud, as it should be for the state of California. Two appeared on the horizon big cities: San Francisco and Oakland. Against the backdrop of a glittering ocean bay with countless huge steamships, forty-story skyscrapers and the majestic famous bridge, connecting two neighboring cities.

The pilots of the Douglas plane gently landed the car on a huge concrete runway. TASS correspondent Duranty and Troyanovsky explained to us that the magnificent US pilot Willie Post once launched from this airfield, and Amalia Earhart took off from here on her flight around the world along the equator.

The plenipotentiary and American representatives of telegraph agencies and the press asked Chkalov's crew to leave the plane wearing wreaths of roses, which were presented by the beauty queens of the states of Washington and Oregon. Valery Pavlovich tried to protest, but then agreed and even gave the flight attendant a rose.

To my protests: it’s not very modest, supposedly, to fly to another city with wreaths donated in Portland, our commander reacted decisively and violently:

Don't worry, Yagor! Since diplomatic considerations require it, then, my dear, you need to think...

The airfield was filled with thousands of people, the brightly sunlit flags of the Soviet Union and the United States of America and a banner with a golden inscription attracted attention: “The Communist Party of California salutes the heroic pilots for their outstanding socialist achievements.”

This is a different, working America that greets us,” noted Sasha Belyakov. And now, seeing the sea of ​​human heads, the crowd frantically expressing their delight, he remained unperturbed.

Chkalov was shocked by the joyful cries, the dashing whistle, and the rain of scarlet roses and bouquets of carnations falling at our feet.

In luxury cars, accompanied by the howling sirens of a police escort, we crossed the famous 43-kilometer bridge spanning the Golden Gate Bay. The warships of the Pacific Fleet, merchant passenger ships, and the Alcotraz federal prison flashed far below.

Our convoy of cars raced madly through the streets of San Francisco, a beautiful, strictly planned city with huge skyscrapers, countless cafeterias and shops, and rich marble mansions. And all this sparkles in the lights of advertising. And the streets either go steeply up or down, crowded with buses and tens of thousands of trucks and cars. And in all this colorfully flashing cramped space, we rushed forward to the ringing howling sounds of miracle sirens.

Here is the Soviet consulate - a corner of the Motherland in a distant foreign land. But even here photographers and reporters were waiting. Chkalov, hugging us, posed without muttering, he was in a good mood.

At 21:50 we were called from Moscow for a radiotelephone conversation. Representatives of the Soviet press gathered at the Central Intercity Telephone Exchange in Moscow.

Late at night on June 21, 1937, the meeting between Chkalov’s crew and Soviet comrades, who, far from the Motherland, carried out daily difficult and painstaking work in the interests of its protection and development, ended.

At night, Chkalov woke up from sounds strange for peacetime: somewhere a heavy machine gun was firing. Valery even woke me up to listen to the night sounds of the main city of California.

“You’re hallucinating,” I answered my friend, turning over to the other side.

In the morning it became known from sensational newspaper reports that late at night one of the San Francisco banks had been robbed by bandits. In this skirmish, both the police and the bandits even used armored vehicles.

After breakfast we received Russians living in San Francisco.

The day was filled with official receptions. First, the ANT-25 crew was received by the mayor of Oakland, then a ceremonial reception for the ANT-25 crew took place at the Oakland Chamber of Commerce, and later at the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, where, in addition to civil authorities, the military was also present in the person of the commander of the military district, General Simos and the boss naval base Admiral Smith. In honor of the Chkalov crew, General Simos ordered a salute with 19 artillery salvoes.

In honor of the Chkalov crew, fireworks were sounded more than once in all cities, large and small, and crowds of thousands greeted them. There were flowers, smiles, enthusiastic exclamations and armies of correspondents and reporters everywhere. We shook thousands of hands, left tens of thousands of autographs, and gave more than one interview.

Chkalov was always incredibly impressed by his meetings with workers. This was the case on the way to Washington, in Ogden, where the Soviet pilots were greeted by depot workers, in Chicago, where a real demonstration awaited the train on the platform. Among them there were many communists and immigrants from Russia. Those who greeted us sang “The Internationale” with great feeling.

In Washington

On June 27 at 8:25 am, Chkalov’s crew arrived in the US capital. He was met by the entire Soviet colony, representatives of the authorities, the press and, as usual, an army of photographers and correspondents.

After the coolness of the air-conditioned compartment, you immediately felt the damp, intoxicating stuffiness of the American capital.

Again flowers, smiles, greetings. Advisor to the embassy, ​​Umansky, said that today the Chief of the US Army Air Force, General Westover, is inviting us to a reception, or rather, to a cocktail, at 5:30 p.m.

And tomorrow will be an extremely busy day. Foreign Minister Hull will be waiting for you at 11.35, and a meeting with the US President at 12.00. At 13.00 breakfast at the Mayflower Inn, where the journalists' association will ask you to answer a series of questions. At 15.30 you and I will go to the Minister of War.

Hearing this, Valery Pavlovich noted that official visits require appropriate equipment. It turned out that Umansky had already taken care of this. Needless to say, among his fellow citizens Chkalov became more cheerful and approachable person. The conversations did not stop until lunch, then we went to a reception with the head of the US Air Force, General Westover. Below average height, stocky, dressed in a civilian white suit, the general greeted us very kindly. Despite the hot and muggy weather, the rest of the American pilots were in uniform. The reception was held at the US Army Air Corps Officers' Club at Bolling Field Army Airfield. Among the 200 invitees, in addition to the pilots, there were many prominent representatives of the US Army command.

When we returned to the embassy, ​​the Minister of Agriculture G. Wallace, a well-known political figure, a presidential candidate and later elected vice president, came to visit us. The minister spoke about the organization of a weather service in the United States and promised that on our next flight the forecasts would be more accurate.

After the meeting with G. Wallace at the embassy's club, a meeting of the Soviet colony in Washington took place.

The second day of life in the American capital was even more stressful for us. Important visits were coming up.

The first visit of the ANT-25 crew was to US Secretary of State Hull. At 11.30 Chkalov, Belyakov, Troyanovsky and I entered Mr. Hull’s office. We were greeted by a brave, tall, slender old man who spoke in a high tenor. He politely greeted everyone, congratulating us, the pilots, and our country on this enormously important aviation achievement. Troyanovsky easily led the conversation, simultaneously performing the role of translator.

The US Secretary of State was interested in the details of the flight and especially in how the crew solved the problems of air navigation between the pole and the shores of Canada. The Minister of Posts and Telegraphs was also present here.

Mr. Hull asked Chkalov's opinion about the possibility of installing air traffic through the pole.

I think that this can become a reality with a significant increase in flight altitude, say, to 9-10 kilometers, with a cruising speed of the vehicle of 300-400 kilometers per hour, and finally the creation in the Canadian part of America of a number of polar bases such as our base on Rudolf Island in the Franz Land archipelago -Joseph.

At 12 o'clock we were already at the White House. We were immediately taken to the president's office. Roosevelt was sitting in some kind of special chair at a huge table filled with models of ships, airplanes and other machines, as well as books. He sat near an open window overlooking the garden, and was dressed in a light white shirt with an open collar. I remember the big gray head and the friendly smile. When we approached the president to shake his hand, Roosevelt was lifted by two men by the arms: his legs were paralyzed. Noticing that we were carefully looking at the paintings in his office, the President said:

You are pilots, and I am a sailor. Therefore, I have a lot of all sorts of things related to naval service.

Valery answered Roosevelt casually:

You are missing our Aivazovsky here...

Troyanovsky, smiling, translated his words to the president, who perked up and said:

I really, really love Aivazovsky...

In conclusion, the President wished us further success and asked us to be guests of America. Chkalov thanked for the warm hospitality and wished the President and the people of the United States happiness, prosperity and friendship with the Soviet Union. Roosevelt really liked these words. When parting, he shook Chkalov’s hand for a long time.

More than two hundred writers, journalists and other representatives of the literary world were present at the gala banquet at the Mayflower Hotel, hosted by the leaders of the National Press Club. The American national broadcaster broadcast all performances throughout the country and abroad.

Many greetings were announced to Chkalov’s crew, including a telegram from Admiral Byrd, a great expert on the Arctic and Antarctic:

“Please convey my heartiest, friendly greetings and warmest congratulations to the great Soviet pilots who accomplished a remarkable, historical feat that will forever remain in the annals of world aviation. The flight from the USSR to the USA is a brilliantly planned and brilliantly executed flight.”

The banquet was followed by a meeting at the War Ministry.

In the evening, Plenipotentiary Troyanovsky hosted a large reception in honor of the ANT-25 crew at the Soviet embassy.

More than 800 people arrived for the reception. Among the invitees were members of the diplomatic corps led by the dean - the British Ambassador Lindsay, Secretary of Commerce Roper, Secretary of Labor Perkins, Chief of Staff of the US Army General Crang, Chief of the Army Aviation Corps (in our opinion the Chief of the Air Force) General Westover, about 70 members of Congress, including Senators King and LaFollette, Assistant Secretary of State Carr, Chief of the Far Eastern Division of the State Department Hornbeck, Bureau Director civil aviation Fagg. Among the guests were journalists, writers, representatives of the business community, military pilots who flew in from other states of the country, representatives of large aircraft factories and US civil airlines.

For the first time, it became difficult for the ANT-25 crew, led by its commander, in the United States, since each of our trio had to shake more than 800 hands when greeting guests and the same number when saying goodbye to them.

The chief pilot was magnificent: elegantly dressed, handsome, amiable, and he distinguished himself as a dancer.

On June 29th we paid visits to Secretary of Commerce Roper, who is responsible for civil aviation, and to the Meteorological Office of the Ministry of Agriculture, where we were received by Dr. Clarke. Here the conversation was interesting and businesslike. Mr. Clark, holding a map in front of him North America- with the route of our flight marked on it, he said:

You maneuvered remarkably well to the right to cross the Rocky Mountains the shortest distance and into Pacific Coast airspace. It was a very good decision.

The fourth visit was to the Canadian Embassy. The ANT-25 crew expressed gratitude to the ambassador for the assistance provided in the flight over the territory of this country.

The evening was devoted to exploring Washington.

On the morning of June 30, we boarded the Washington-New York train and in 4 hours traveled 400 kilometers separating these two cities.

In NYC

The greatest city in America solemnly welcomed the crew of the ANT-25.

Vancouver, Portland, San Francisco, Chicago and Washington have already prepared you to meet the giant city and its inhabitants. And yet Chkalov was moved by such a stormy demonstration of friendship on the part of the Americans.

After a brief speech by the commander of the ANT-25, his crew was seated in an open car and, accompanied by a police escort, they rushed through the city streets to the city hall, where Mayor La Guardia was waiting for us, who said a few welcoming words in broken Russian.

On the way from the town hall to the Soviet consulate, the police had a hard time, although they changed the route of Chkalov’s crew, announced in the morning newspapers of New York. Many times we were forced to stop in front of large crowds of people blocking traffic on the street.

To the surprise of people who knew America well, the popularity of Chkalov and his crew did not decrease.

One day, our guide Misha Milsky, driving a car himself, when we were driving to Coney Island in the cramped city streets, did something wrong, and we were immediately stopped by a policeman.

The usual rude and often unbiased beating of the driver by the police began. Mikhail apologized, saying that he was in a hurry to take three Soviet pilots who had flown over the pole to the appointed place.

Chkaloff? Nordpol?.. - the inspector asked incredulously. He immediately went up to the car, opened the door and, seeing Valery Pavlovich, smiled and, turning to Milsky, in a different tone asked that the Soviet pilot give him an autograph on a tear-off sheet of the penalty notebook. Valery Pavlovich signed his name and shook the hand of the hefty Irishman; he, taking his visor, got on his motorcycle and led us under the howl of a police siren at high speed through the streets of New York.

The press was no less surprising: continuously, for many days, it spoke in enthusiastic tones about our flight, about the Soviet Union.

“The flight of Soviet aviators from the USSR to the USA deserves an honorable place in the history of aviation. They chose the shortest route to arrive here through the North Pole and the ice-covered top of the world. It seemed impossible to humanity, but the Russians showed that it was possible,” wrote the Philadelphia Public Ledger. The Cleveland Plain Dealer noted: “Three men whose names will be etched in history flew across the top of the world from Moscow to the United States in 63 hours. New horizons have opened up for aviation...” “The feat accomplished by the Russians is a miracle of skill and hardening. The obstacles along the way were great, the risks incredible, the natural difficulties terrifying. Only imagination can foresee the practical results of this flight. In the meantime, this is a striking indicator of Russian courage and ingenuity and a significant demonstration of the capabilities of long-distance flights,” said the Detroit Free Press.

Once, when Troyanovsky translated several articles for us in a row, Chkalov prayed:

Fire me, dear Alexander Antonovich! Fire me! During these three days I realized: I have become such a historical value that I even feel how my body is turning to stone and becoming covered with plaque or mold from the basements in which documents of the past are stored.

When Troyanovsky showed Chkalov the program for his stay in the USA, he became ruffled:

What are you thinking? For a whole month? Time to go home! They are waiting for us there.

Consul Borovoy, holding a telegram in his hands, said:

The government, Valery Pavlovich, has extended your business trip, and we have drawn up everything with the expectation of finishing your trips around the United States by July 25th.

Chkalov was taken aback, then made a noise with renewed vigor:

As tourists, we will still have time to come here and travel to our hearts’ content. And now that’s it: please plan our return home as quickly as possible. This is my story, let Sasha and Yagor confirm...

Belyakov, having become acquainted with the project for a trip to the USA, objected:

It seems to me, Valery, that we cannot refuse everything completely, since the Americans are asking our crew to visit us...

And for this, Sasha, a week is enough! - Chkalov answered.

At that moment, Consul General Borovoy placed some new paper in front of Troyanovsky. Alexander Antonovich glanced at her and said with a smile:

All our disputes are useless. Here, Valery Pavlovich, is the government order - your crew to stay in the USA until Gromov arrives.

This is a completely different matter! “And then excursions and visiting,” said Chkalov and hastened to find out the schedule of transatlantic ships.

Fabulous! - Valery said loudly. - Fabulous! I feel: Gromov will fly out on the tenth and will be here on the twelfth. We will meet him and immediately pass the baton of traveling around America. But we won’t return to the Pacific coast - it will take too much time, and Egor and Sasha will travel along the Atlantic coast.

Where are you going? - I asked Valery.

I’ll be on guard for Gromov’s departure and the Normandy steamer, so that you, those who like to watch, look and listen, you devils like that, can whistle on time, otherwise, what the hell, you’ll be late home.

Belyakov just waved his hand and, sitting down next to me, began to develop a plan for our trips, based on the new deadline - to complete all excursions by July 10–12.

That same evening there was a meeting with famous travelers, geographers, military and civilian pilots, and Arctic researchers. The honoring of Soviet pilots, organized on the initiative of the Researchers Club and the Russian-American Institute of Cultural Relations, took place in the huge hall of one of best hotels New York Waldorf-Astoria. Here were people whose names were well known in the Soviet country - Villamur Stefanson, president of the Researchers Club, one of the few honorary members of which was our Otto Yulievich Schmidt; pilots Hetty and Mattern, who flew through the USSR; Negro Matyo Hanson, member of the Ppri expedition to the North Pole; pilot Kenyon, a member of the Ellsworth expedition to Antarctica, and many others. One American journalist said that this was a “gathering of celebrities” and that a book could be written about each of them.