[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 34 (Wednesday, March 10, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E346]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF MARGARET DEBOLT AND THE WOMEN AIRFORCE 
                     SERVICE PILOTS OF WORLD WAR II

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                          HON. TOM McCLINTOCK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 10, 2010

  Mr. McCLINTOCK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the service and 
achievements of the late Margaret Louise Debolt from my home state of 
California. During World War II, Margaret flew as a member of the Women 
Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). These aviators were the first female 
flyers to be trained on U.S. Military aircraft. During the time when 
the need of the country was greatest, these brave women flew fighter, 
bomber, transport and training aircraft in the defense of American 
freedom.
  It was during her service with the WASPs that Margaret met her future 
husband, First Lieutenant Charles D. Christian of the United States 
Army Air Corps. They were married in November, 1945 and went on to be 
the proud parents of James and Kay Christian, who now reside in El 
Dorado Hills, California. Margaret continued flying well into her 
seventies, exemplifying the adventurous spirit for which she was so 
well known. Margaret passed away at the age of 83 in Covina, California 
on August 6, 2004.
  I was a proud cosponsor of the legislation that recognized the 
service of the WASPs and awarded them the Congressional Gold Medal. I 
regret that Margaret could not be with us when her medal was awarded, 
but I am glad that her family joined us in Washington to remember and 
honor her service.

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