Ola Mildred Rexroat
Art by A.O.M. (tumblr)
During World War II, over one thousand American women served as Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). WASPs flew domestic missions under US Army command, freeing more male pilots to serve overseas. Stationed at 120 different bases, the WASPs ferried aircraft from factory to base, towed targets for live anti-aircraft artillery practice, and hauled cargo. Over the course of the war, the WASPs logged sixty million miles of flying. The program was disbanded in 1944 and although they were under Army command, the WASPs did not receive military benefits until 1977. In 2009, they were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.
Oglala Lakota pilot Ola Mildred Rexroat was was one of only five women of color to serve with the WASPs and the only Native American WASP. Ola graduated from WASP training on September 8, 1944 as a member of class 44-7. She spent four months towing targets at Eagle Pass Army Airfield in Texas. After the war, Ola worked as an air traffic controller and served in the Air Force Reserves.
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