1. Collier Trophy (1911):
Awarded by the National Aeronautical Association (NAA), the Collier Trophy recognizes the greatest achievement in aeronautics each year. The Wright brothers were the first recipients of this prestigious award in 1911 for their successful development of the first heavier-than-air flying machine.
2. Langley Medal (1910):
Established in honor of aviation pioneer Samuel Langley, the Langley Medal recognizes outstanding contribution to the aeronautical sciences. The Smithsonian Institution awarded the inaugural Langley Medal to the Wright brothers in 1910 for their significant breakthroughs in mechanical flight.
3. Congressional Gold Medal (1909):
The highest civilian honor bestowed by the United States Congress, the Congressional Gold Medal recognizes distinguished achievements and contributions to the national good. The Wright brothers received the Congressional Gold Medal in 1909 in recognition of their historic first powered flight at Kitty Hawk in 1903.
4. Honorary Degrees:
Several Universities and educational institutions, including Yale University, Oberlin College, University of Cambridge, and George Washington University, bestowed honorary degrees upon the Wright brothers in recognition of their exceptional contributions to science and aeronautics.
5. French Legion of Honor (1909):
The French government awarded the Wright brothers the prestigious Legion of Honor, one of France's highest honors, in recognition of their achievements in aviation. They received the distinction shortly after their successful flights near Le Mans, France, in 1908.
Additionally, the Wright brothers were inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 1962, further solidifying their legacy as pioneers of aviation and instrumental figures in the history of human flight.