WASP female aviators from WWII to receive Congressional Gold Medal at Capitol Hill ceremony

Female World War II aviators to be honored

WASHINGTON — The first women to fly U.S. military planes will be awarded a Congressional Gold Medal on Capitol Hill.

More than 1,000 women flew aircraft during World War II. They were known as Women Airforce Service Pilots, or WASP. Their primary mission was to fly noncombat missions in the United States.

Thirty-eight of them were killed in service. But they were long considered civilians, not members of the military, until 1977 when they were afforded veteran status.

It’s estimated that about 300 of the women are still alive. About 200 are expected to attend the ceremony Wednesday.

The medal is the highest award Congress gives to honor civilians for achievements and contributions to society.