Updated During World War II, more than 1,000 female pilots became the first women to ever take the controls of American military planes. Now, more than six decades later, members of the Women Airforce Service Pilots will receive the Congressional Gold Medal, one of America’s highest civilian honors.
President Obama made the award official in the Oval Office this afternoon, signing a bill that sailed through Congress in just three months. The medals will be given to the roughly 300 members of the group still living, as well as to the deceased pilots’ survivors.
Among those in attendance at today’s ceremony, from the former service pilots, were: Elaine Danforth Harmon, Lorraine H. Rodgers and Bernice Falk Haydu.
Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison, Republican of Texas, and Barbara Mikulski, Democrat of Maryland, introduced the legislation, which they say will give long overdue public recognition to the pilots.
“The Women Airforce Service Pilots of World War II were trailblazers and true patriots,” said Ms. Mikulski in a release announcing the legislation. “They risked their lives in service to our nation, but for too long their contribution to the war effort has been undervalued or under recognized.”
With male pilots in short supply during World War II, W.A.S.P. pilots took to the skies, flying a wide range of non-combat assignments: transporting cargo, hauling targets for shooting practice, flying drones and even training other pilots, including men.
The corps was disbanded in late 1944, deemed no longer necessary with Allied forces nearing victory.
During their service, W.A.S.P. members were considered civilians, meaning they received no benefits or honors. (The families of the 38 pilots who died received no burial assistance, nor were they given an American flag for the casket.)