Elizabeth Strohfus was one of the first women in the United States to fly military planes. In 1942, the Minnesota native signed up for the newly formed Women's Air Force Service Pilots, or WASPs. The WASPs flew the biggest bomber planes. And they acted as "test pilots" for aircraft that had been damaged in combat. Read more: http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2009/08/12/wasps/
The Women's Air Force Service Pilots received very little recognition for their service. But in July 2009, President Obama signed a bill to give the WASPs, including the 89-year-old Strophus, the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest award given to civilians.
I would LOVE to meet this wonderful woman who shares her story with anybody who is willing to listen. I have so much respect for World War II Veterans and wish that more people would listen to their wonderful stories. What a Gal!
ruggersmarty 9 months ago
i love elizabeth strohfus!
shanshan8928 1 year ago
This long-overlooked group of women who flew aircraft during World War II were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal today, Wednesday, March 10th, 2010. What an awesome flock of lady's!
UTubeHopper 2 years ago
It is good to see these heroic women finally getting recognition for their contribution to Americas freedom. MPR taped this interview during AirExpo 2009, presented by Wings of the North at Flying Cloud Airport in Eden Prairie, MN. Liz is a terrific lady who has been part of AirExpo for over 10 years and is planning to attend AirExpo 2010 in July.
th3jasp 2 years ago
I was fortunate to know a WASP when I was volunteering in an Assisted Living Home. Henry Ford made the planes in what later became the Detroit Airport at Willow Run, Michigan. She flew the planes to New York where the Army Air Corp pilots took over. We could relate as I worked at that airport in the 50's and it now is the US biggest airport for cargo.
pettyduo1957 2 years ago
Thanks so much for sharing this. A great role model!
CDeanWatcher 2 years ago