and son to be admirals in the United States Navy. His nephew, Thomas Etholen Selfridge, a US Army Field Artillery officer and one of the first pilots in the nascent Army Air Service, became the first person ever to die in the crash of a powered airplane in 1908. Rear Admiral Selfridge retired on February 6, 1898. He died from heart disease in Washington, D.C. on February 4, 1924. Like his father, he was a Veteran Companion of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States and an Honorary Hereditary Companion of the Military Order of Foreign Wars. He was also a Chevalier of the French Legion of Honor. Namesake ships USS Selfridge (DD-320) was named for the elder Rear Admiral Selfridge, while USS Selfridge (DD-357) was named for both officers. References External links 1836 births 1924 deaths People of Massachusetts in the American Civil War United States Naval Academy alumni Union Navy officers United States Navy admirals