[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 161 (Friday, November 7, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2286]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING WOMEN AIRFORCE SERVICE PILOTS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. STEVE ISRAEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 7, 2003

  Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, As Veterans' day approaches, I want to take 
the time to recognize the patriotism and sacrifice of a special group 
of women. I rise today to honor and recognize servicewomen who served 
as Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) during the Second World War.
  The generation that defeated the Nazis has correctly been referred to 
as the ``Greatest Generation.'' But for many years, the contributions 
of this select group of young women pilots were overlooked.
  As the first women in history trained to fly American military 
aircraft, the WASP shattered traditional conceptions about women's 
roles and became pioneers, heroes, and role models for generations of 
women to come.
  They compiled an admirable record, performing essential services that 
freed males for combat-related service overseas, but their 
accomplishments did not come without a cost. Thirty-eight members of 
the WASP made the ultimate sacrifice and lost their lives in the course 
of their service.
  Although these women had answered the call to duty at America's time 
of greatest need, when the WASP were disbanded on December 20, 1944, 
they received no GI benefits or military honors.
  America tried to forget them, leaving them with only their personal 
satisfaction that they had done their duty.
  Congress finally corrected this wrong in 1977 when it formally 
recognized the service of members of the WASP as active military 
service, making them eligible for veterans benefits.
  As we watch women serving bravely in the War Against Terror, it is 
safe to say that the future of women in the military seems assured. But 
it is important to remember that this was not always the case.
  It is not an exaggeration that we owe a big part of the freedom we 
enjoy today to these women pilots. Their love of country and love of 
flying is something for which we will always be grateful.
  At this time I would like to thank the thirty-eight who gave their 
lives. Let us remember Jane Champlin, Susan Clark, Margie L. Davis, 
Katherine Dussaq, Marjorie D. Edwards, Elizabeth Erickson. Cornelia 
Fort, Frances Grimes, Mary Hartson, Mary H. Howson, Edith Keene, 
Kathryn B. Lawrence, Hazel Ying Lee, Paula Loop, Alice Lovejoy, Lea Ola 
McDonald, Peggy Martin, Marie N. Michell, Virginia Moffatt, Beverly 
Moses, Dorothy Nichols, Jeanne L. Norbeck, Margaret Oldenburg, Mabel 
Rawlinson, Gleanna Roberts, Betty Scott, Margaret J. Seip, Helen J. 
Severson, Marie Sharon, Evelyn Sharp, Betty P. Stine, Marion Toevs, 
Gertrude Tompkins, Mary Trebing, Bonnie Jean Welz, Betty T. Wood, and 
Mary L. Webster.
  In these dangerous times, their courage is an inspiration for all 
Americans. I encourage everyone to learn more about the history of the 
service of these courageous women.

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