It's all about "merican marketing!
Everyone knows the Wright bros where first in flight. Right?.......Wrong!
It was a German born Bavarian, he beat the "bros" by over 2 yrs.
Wright Brothers Not First to Fly | Flying Magazine
The Wright bros got recognized by signing a contract with the 'merican gubment giving them the Wright Flyer, ONLY as long as they NEVER mention Whitehead.