Born in Russia in 1888, Boris Sergiesky learned to fly in 1912. His life of high-adventure began when he fought as a Russian infantry officer, winning the Imperial Russia's highest honor for leading his infantrymen in a charge that captured a fortified enemy hilltop. He then took to the air to become a fighter pilot and a combat ace against Austria-Hungary during WWI. In 1923 he emigrated to the U.S. and after a short time of menial jobs, he joined Igor Sikorsky's airplane company where he became the chief test pilot. Boris worked for Sikorsky Aircraft and helped with the development of many of the early flying boats. In 1946, he bought one of the newest seaplanes built by Grumman. His G-73 Mallard was the fourth built and he flew charter operations until 1964, when he sold the airplane after loosing his pilots certificate at age 77.
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