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     Douglas “Wrong Way” Corrigan was born in Galveston, Texas, on January 22, 1907. His was born in the family of constructor and teacher, so aviation did not seem to be in his future. But he became popular in aviation, owing for his unbelievable antic.

     Douglas was inspired by Lindbergh’s transatlantic flight and decided to make his own trip through Atlantic Ocean. So, he began to prepare his airplane for the flight. When everything was done he was needed in permission for the non-stop flight from New York to Ireland. But officials refused him. He was very disappointed, but decided to make a flight without any permission.

      On July 17, 1938, Corrigan left New York for California, but he “mistakenly” flew from New York to Ireland. He spent 28 hours and 13 minutes for his transatlantic flight. When officials asked him to explain his antic, he said that he got mixed up in the clouds and flown the wrong way. But they continued to press him for the truth and he finally said: “That’s my story”

      Douglas became a national hero and got his nickname “Wrong Way”. People also had a great deal of fun with the obvious humor of his situation .

http://www.centennialofflight.gov/essay/Explorers_Record_Setters_and_Daredevils/corrigan/EX16.htm