Paul Allman Siple (1908-1968)
Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
One of the world's foremost authorities on Antarctica, he was honored internationally for his work as scientist, explorer, inventor, geographer, diplomat, and author. An Eagle Scout and NIAGARA Sea Scout from Erie, Siple was selected from all US Boy Scouts to accompany R.E. Byrd on his 1928-30 Antarctic Expedition. In 1957, he led the first team ever to winter at the South Pole. Siple designed all-climate army gear and devised the "Wind Chill Index."
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
An Erie Eagle Scout and Sea Scout, Paul Allman Siple was chosen from among all American Boy Scouts to join Admiral Richard E. Byrd's 1928–30 Antarctic expedition—launching a lifetime at the bottom of the world. He became a leading authority on Antarctica as scientist, explorer, and geographer, and in 1957 led the first team ever to winter over at the South Pole. He designed all-climate gear for the Army and coined the now-familiar 'Wind Chill Index.'
Why it matters
Siple links American boyhood adventure to the heroic age of polar exploration and Cold War science, and his wind chill concept remains part of daily life every winter.
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Related people
- · Paul Allman Siple
- · Richard E. Byrd
Themes & tags
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