[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 118 (Friday, July 31, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2107]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING WOMEN AIRFORCE SERVICE PILOTS FROM WORLD WAR II

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                           HON. FRANK R. WOLF

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 30, 2009

  Mr. WOLF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Women Airforce 
Service Pilots (WASP) of World War II. They were the first women to fly 
military aircraft for the United States and deserve to be commended for 
their bravery.
  From 1942 to 1944, these women flew in various non-combat missions, 
allowing male pilots to be deployed into combat. Their success in 
flying fighter, bomber, transport, and training aircraft eventually led 
to the integration of female pilots into the United States Armed 
Services.
  There were 1,102 female WASP trained during World War II, and 300 
survive today, two of whom currently reside in Virginia's 10th 
Congressional District. Joan Lemley of Purcellville and Barbara Ross of 
Warrenton are two of these brave pilots who served their country during 
World War II.
  On July 1, President Obama signed S. 164 into law, which awards our 
nation's highest honor--the Congressional Gold Medal--to each of these 
women pioneers of World War II. They will finally receive the 
recognition they deserve for their wartime military service to our 
country. I was pleased to be an original cosponsor of the House version 
of this measure, which was introduced by Congresswoman Ileana Ros-
Lehtinen.
  I ask that my colleagues join me today in commending Barbara Ross, 
Joan Lemley and the other women pilots for serving their country in 
World War II.

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