American Polar Explorer, Robert Peary, was an American explorer who is best known for his expedition to the North Pole in 1909. He was the first person to reach the North Pole and was also involved in several other Arctic expeditions. Peary was a naval engineer and was appointed as the chief of the United States Navy's Bureau of Equipment and Recruiting in 1887. He was also a member of the National Geographic Society and the Explorers Club. Peary was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 1911 for his achievements in exploration.