The Order of Daedalians, a national fraternity of military pilots, had it's genesis in 1921 when Brig.Gen. William "Billy" Mitchell, Asst. Chief of the Army Air Service, urged the creation of an organization that would perpetuate forever the deeds and memories of the first American pilots who, in World War I, were the first to fly our country's airplanes in time of war. Present to hear Gen. Mitchell was then Lieutenant Harold L. George, who, thirteen years later on March 26, 1934, at Maxwell Field, Alabama, as one of 35 WW I Regular Army commissioned pilots, formally established the Order of Daedalians to "...perpetuate the spirit of patriotism, the love of country, the memories, sad and pleasant, of our service during that period (WW I) and to further cement the ties of comradeship which bound us together in that critical hour of our nation's need..."

There were over 14,000 WWI aviators who were commissioned as officers and rated military pilots no later than the armistice on 11 November 1918. Virtually all have been identified, and each, whether living or dead, has a Founder Membership in the Order of Daedalians even though some did not, during their lifetime, participate as active members. In the early years active membership was open only to Founder Members and their descendants (Hereditary Members). In the early 1950s Named Memberships were authorized for active or retired commissioned officers in the military services and their reserve components who are rated as military pilots of heavier-than-air powered aircraft. Named as well as Hereditary Members are assigned to perpetuate the Founder Memberships of WW I military pilots, thereby insuring perpetuity for the Order of Daedalians. In 2001 membership criteria was again changed. "All US commissioned, warrent or flight officer military pilots, (prop, turboprop, jet, fixed wing, rotary wing ) regardless of branch of service, of powered, heavier-than-air aircraft who are on active duty, retired, in the Guard or Reserve, or who have separated under honorable conditions are now basically eligible to become Daedalians".

A qualified applicant interested in membership must be nominated by an active Daedalian and the application, endorsed by three other active Daedalians, must then be sent to National Headquarters for approval.

The Order, with it's worldwide network of Daedalian Flights and its comprehensive awards program, and the Daedalian Foundation with its scholarship programs, support the military services and other aerospace activities. They encourage patriotism, integrity, and good character in our nation's youth; military careers as commissioned pilots; safety of flight, and excellence in the performance of military duties. The Foundation's scholarship programs specifically promote study in aerospace disciplines.