Richard Byrd was an Antarctic explorer who is best known for his expeditions to the South Pole. He was a Rear Admiral in the United States Navy and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his service in World War I. He was also a pioneering aviator, making the first flight over the North Pole in 1926. He made four trips to Antarctica between 1928 and 1956, during which he explored the continent and conducted scientific experiments. He was also the first person to fly over the South Pole in 1929.