[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 6 (Monday, January 11, 2016)]
[House]
[Page H259]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        RECOGNIZING WOMEN PILOTS

  (Mr. ASHFORD asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. ASHFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the important 
contribution women pilots have made to the service of our military in 
World War II. These women deserve a proper military resting place.
  In 1942, Betty Grace Clements of Elmwood, Nebraska, entered into the 
Women Airforce Service Pilots. Betty was one of only 1,100 women who 
had earned her wings to fly noncombat missions to support the war 
effort.
  Betty's job during World War II was to provide courier services for 
then-Colonel Paul Tibbets and his crew. Colonel Tibbets and his crew 
were training to fly the Enola Gay and bring an end to the war. Betty 
was part of the history. She helped end the war, and she served 
Nebraska and her country with honor.
  Betty passed away in 1965, but, under today's law, her ashes could 
not be added to the Arlington National Cemetery. I think that is a 
shame. WASPs have fought for proper recognition for their service. I 
applaud Congresswoman McSally for her bill to give these women the 
recognition they deserve.
  I thank Dr. Grace Clements, Congresswoman McSally, and all women 
pilots who have served.
  I ask my colleagues to support this important legislation.

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