As the need for pilots grew, the education requirements were lowered and he was trained to be a balloon observer.

Fort Omaha Balloon School becomes the first United States Army school for balloon observers.

He completed training as a balloon observer in 1912.

In 1912, Kesselring completed training as a balloon observer in a dirigible section - an early sign of an interest in aviation.

He was also a balloon observer, and later a battery commander in Artillery Regiment 16.

I'm a balloon observer up here.

The damned low hills would let the Westmen get close enough to shoot the balloon observers before the basket could rise out of range.

However, other aviation recipients included zeppelin commanders, bomber and observation aircrews, and at least one balloon observer.

These were vulnerable and tethered balloon observers were the first to use parachutes.

The Bulgarian balloon observers also took part in the war.