President Barack Obama with WASP pilots Elaine Danforth Harmon, Bernice Falk Haydu and Lorraine H. Rodgers after signing a bill to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the WASP in the Oval Office on Wednesday, July 1, 2009.
On July 1, 2009, President Barack Obama signed S.614, a bill to award the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor. The WASP—the first group of women to fly military aircraft for the United States—reported for duty more than three decades before women in this country were allowed to attend military pilot training with full military status.
“The Women Airforce Service Pilots courageously answered their country’s call in a time of need while blazing a trail for the brave women who have given, and continue to give, so much in service to this nation since,” Obama said. “Every American should be grateful for their service, and I am honored to sign this bill to finally give them some of the hard-earned recognition they deserve.”
Fewer than 300 WASPs are alive today—three of those women joined the president in the Oval Office as he signed the legislation. Five active duty U.S. Air Force pilots who followed in their footsteps—including Maj. Nicole Malachowski, who was instrumental in promoting the bill—were also present for the signing.
Congressional legislation is required to award the Gold Medal of Honor, and two-thirds of each chamber must sign on as co-sponsors. Along with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, it is the nation’s highest civilian award.
Sidebar: Honoring Women In War: The Commemorative Air Force Southern California Wing