The Order of Pour le Merite

In 1740 the Order of Pour le Merite was established by King Frederick II of Prussia for extreme valor and bravery, and its recipients were instructed to wear it at all times. In 1842, a civilian Pour le Merite was added for exceptional achievements in science, humanities and the arts. With the fall of Prussia in 1918, the Order was abandoned and then picked back up in 1923, until Nazi Germany came to power. After WWII, the order was revived in 1952 for achievements in science, humanities and the arts, and remains to this day. 

A question one often hears is, “Why did a Prussian order bear a French title?” Here’s the reason. At his court, Frederick the Great commanded that only French fashions and language be used. Hence, Friedrich’s palace at Potsdam was named Sans Souci, the crack cavalry regiments had the title of Garde du Corps, and his distinguished medal was inscribed with the words Pour le Mérite. It is said that Friedrich was of the opinion that the German language was fit only for stable boys.- Robert Whiter, June 2003 Military Heritage Magazine

Pour le Merite is an award given to pilots since WW1 for extreme excellence and outstanding accomplishments. But it goes beyond just an award, but an order of achievement, and a way of life. At Pour le Merite Aero Club, we embrace that mentality to promote fun and safe flying, and to challenge pilots to constantly improve their skill-set, and reach for higher goals. The emblem is often referred to as the 'Blue Max' and is highly sought after. The planes in the Aero Club wear this emblem, a symbol to reach for better and better skills and safety.

The Club

The Club was founded by Don Palmer after being inspired by a story he saw about the Order of Pour le Merite, which resonated with him as the way we strive to do things. Don is an accomplished pilot, having been a corporate pilot, instructor, aerobatic pilot, and much more. It is his desire to pass on to other pilots an uncompromising passion for the truth in flying, and to always seek to better one's self. He is very passionate about tail wheel flying, and the improvement of stick and rudder skills in all pilots.