Who were among the first three American enlisted pilots?

The first three American enlisted pilots were indeed Vernon Burge, Lamkey, and William Ocker. Their contributions to aviation history are significant, as they exemplified the evolving roles of enlisted personnel within the U.S. military and the development of flight during the early 20th century.

Vernon Burge achieved a notable milestone in 1912 by becoming the first enlisted pilot in the U.S. Army. This marked a shift in the perception of enlisted members in aviation roles, showcasing their capability to operate aircraft. In the same era, Lamkey and William Ocker also broke barriers as early enlisted pilots, reflecting the growing importance of aviation in military strategy and training. Their pioneering efforts laid the groundwork for future enlisted pilots and established a legacy that would grow as military aviation expanded.

The other choices include figures who were significant in aviation and military history but did not fit the criteria of being among the first enlisted pilots. Some were notable for their feats as officers and civilian aviators, while others were influential in different contexts altogether.