In Times of War: Vi Cowden

VI COWDEN was in the Womens Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) ferrying fighter planes for the war effort. She had gotten her pilots license before the war while living in South Dakota, then joined the Army Air Corps as a civilian contract employee. She lived in military housing on the base in Dallas, Texas. The WASPs were expected to follow military orders, yet they received no rank and no benefits, including insurance, which they were also denied by private insurers due to the hazardous nature of their work.
During the War, Vi flew 19 different types of "Pursuit Planes", including the P-51, and logged enough miles to have circumnavigated the world 55 times over! In the documentary you will see Vi at 91 in her uniform in front of 7 of the planes that she flew, thanks to the generosity of the Yanks Air Museum in Chino, California.
At the age of 89 Vi took her second parachute jump out of a plane, and in April she had her first para-gliding trip! This Spring she plans to go para-gliding again, with her granddaughter. For more information go to www.intimesofwar.us

Category:

Education

Tags:

• WWII
• wasp
• airforce
• P51
• Mustang
• fighter
• pilot
• woman
• Vi
• Cowden
• In
• Times
• of
• War

[cr8zycatlady89]

One of the cutest old ladies ever! :D she is actually my boyfriends older aunt's which is pretty cool from my perspective.

Rest in Peace Vi :)

[geraldhaislet1991]

i had the honor of meeting her. she is such a sweet lady. and she is funny too.

[CDeanWatcher]

Thanks very much for sharing this. Wish it had been longer!

[ElvsJ04]

Vi, you made me tear up. I've read several books about the WAFS and WASPS. I'm 38 and have a 14 year old daughter. Thank you for being such an inspiration! I really enjoy your story and your spirit. My Grandmother is your age and is my greatest inspiration. Is there a longer version of this video? You are awesome Vi!