COIN FLIP AT LAKEHURST WINS RADIO MAN LAST TRIP ON THE SHENANDOAH
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (JFK+50) On September 4, 1925, Associated Press reports "the flip of a coin decided the fate of George C. Schnitzer*, Point Pleasant, N.J., chief radio engineer of the Shenandoah, who was among those killed in the disaster."
Before the "giant dirigible" departed the hanger at Lakehurst, New Jersey, Mr. Schnitzer "matched" with the alternate radio operator to see which of the two men would go on the "long trip."
George C. Schnitzer won the toss, but it would cost him his life.
*George C. Schnitzer (1894-1925) was chief radio operator, US Navy airship ZR-1, Shenandoah. GCS was married & had two children at the time of his tragic death.
The radio used aboard the ZR-1 is now part of the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum collection. It is a high frequency radio.
SOURCES
"Flip of Coin Cost Shenandoah Radio Operator His Life," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., September 4, 1925, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
"George Schnitzer USS Shenandoah Collection, National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian, www.airandspace.si.edu/
