Lucky Lady III, a B-52 assigned to the 93rd Bombardment Wing, and two additional B-52s made the world’s first nonstop, around-the-world, jet flight in history. Major General Archie J. Old, Jr., acted as mission commander and rode aboard the lead aircraft, which was piloted by Lieutenant Colonel James H. Morris. Morris had been the copilot of the Lucky Lady II round-the-world flight in 1949. The flight covered 24,325 miles and took 45 hours and 19 minutes to complete. For demonstrating SAC’s ability “to strike any target on the face of the earth,” the 93rd Bombardment Wing was awarded the Mackay Trophy and each member of the flight crew received the Distinguished Flying Cross presented after landing by Gen. Curtis LeMay, SAC Commander.