Press Releases
Luetkemeyer Honors Missouri Female World War II Pilots For Their Groundbreaking Service
Columbia, MO,
September 28, 2009
U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-9) today honored Mary L. Nirmaier of Columbia and Rose Ross of Moberly for their service as two of the only remaining 300 survivors of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) who were recently honored with the Congressional Gold Medal.
U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-9) today honored Mary L. Nirmaier of Columbia and Rose Ross of Moberly for their service as two of the only remaining 300 survivors of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) who were recently honored with the Congressional Gold Medal. Luetkemeyer honored Ms. Nirmaier and Ms. Ross during a ceremony today at his congressional office and presented them with a framed copied of remarks he entered into the Congressional Record. “I ask all Missourians to join me in honoring Mary Nirmaier and Rose Ross for their commitment, dedication, sacrifices and service to our nation as groundbreaking members of the WASP during World War II,” Luetkemeyer said. “Our soldiers, sailors, Marines and pilots sacrifice everything to serve America and these women serve as reminders of their bravery, loyal patriotism and love for our country.” Women Airforce Service Pilots were the first women in history to fly America’s military aircraft. Between the years 1942-1944, women were recruited to fly non-combat missions, so that male pilots could be deployed in combat. Through their actions, WASP were a catalyst for revolutionary reform in the integration of women pilots into the U.S. Armed Services. The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest and most distinguished award that the U.S. Congress can award to a civilian. Just as the Navajo Code Talkers and Tuskegee Airmen served with distinction and were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, it is also appropriate for Congress to recognize and honor the service of the WASP with the Congressional Gold Medal. ###
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