Ros-Lehtinen Pleased With Passage Of Legislation To Award Congressional Gold Medals To The Women Airforce Service Pilots Of Worl

Washington, DC -Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, a senior member of the Florida Congressional Delegation, is very pleased that legislation has been approved by the House to award the Women Air Service Pilots (WASP) of World War II the Congressional Gold Medal. The Congressional Gold Medal is Congress' highest honor and this act will honor these women pilots who have never received any formal or public recognition for their wartime service to the United States.

Ros-Lehtinen introduced the bill in the House and today managed the legislation on the House Floor. It will now be sent to the President for his signature.

Said Ros-Lehtinen: "This bill honors mothers, grandmothers; teachers, office workers, nurses, business women, photographers, dancers, one was even a nun. But before that, they were pilots for the US Army Air Corps during World War II. Today this Congress has recognized their sacrifice and considers them all heroes because these trailblazers and true patriots served our country without question and with no expectations of recognition or praise. That is what being a true hero is all about."

Women Air Service Pilots flew non combat military missions so that all their male counterparts could be deployed to combat. These women piloted every kind of military aircraft and logged 60 million miles flying missions across the United States. They were never awarded full military status and were not eligible for officer status. It was not till 1977 that the WASP pilots were granted veterans' status. Of the 1,102 WASP pilots, only 300 are living today. The Congressional Gold Medals will be awarded to all 1,102 pilots and/or their surviving family members.