LESLEY WILLIAMS SERVED IN THE WOMEN AIRFORCE SERVICE PILOTS (WASP) PROGRAM
 

Washington, Oct 19, 2010 -

“At the end of World War II the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) were disbanded, but their contributions in achieving victory were not forgotten,” stated Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Sixth).  “Lesley Williams stepped forward when her nation called for volunteers to defend our nation, and we are all grateful for her service and that of her fellow members of the WASP.”

On Thursday, October 21st, at 4:00 PM, Stearns will present the Congressional Gold Medal posthumously to Norman Williams, the husband of Lesley Williams.  The event will take place at the Keystone Heights Airport, 7100 Airport Road in Starke, FL.

The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest award Congress can award to a civilian or group of civilians.   Last year, Congress voted to award the medal to the women who served in the WASP.  These were a group of civilian female pilots recruited to fly military aircraft in non-combat roles during World War II.  More than 1,000 women volunteered and flew all the aircraft in the military inventory.  

Added Stearns, “Lesley and Norman met while taking flying lessons in Jacksonville, and both went on to serve our nation in World War II.Norman served in Army Air Corp in the European Theater while Lesley was accepted into the WASP program.”