They Served With Honor

In this letter written by Elaine Harmon, a WWII female pilot, she states her wishes to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Because of an Army policy barring WWII women pilots from being buried at Arlington, Harmon's ashes remain in a closet in her home while her family battles to change the policy. Harmon died last April at the age of 95.

Into The Wild Blue Yonder!

During World War II, the WASPs (Women Airforce Service Pilots) was established to enable male pilots to be available for deployment to the combat zones. This corp of brave women were responsible for many tasks during the war, including delivering aircraft to various locations and testing aircraft for combat worthiness.

Violet Cowden was one of the over a thousand WASPs on duty during that period who would never have the proper recognition for their contributions until 1977, when their veteran's status was finally acknowledged, complete with benefits.

Today, Violet Cowden and her sister surviving WASP members were honored in Congress and presented with the Congressional Gold Medal. Violet is pictured above both during the war, and today at 93 when she took to the air in a light combat aircraft before the medal ceremony.

Of the 1102 WASPs who served, about 300 are still alive, with about 200 attending today's ceremony.