MARGUERITE BERNHARDT SERVED IN THE WOMEN AIRFORCE SERVICE PILOTS (WASP)
 

Washington, Apr 29, 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-Ocala).  “Marguerite Bernhardt 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 Monday, May 3^rd, at 11:00 AM Stearns will present the Congressional Gold Medal to Marguerite Bernhardt in his Ocala Office, 115 SE. 25^th Avenue.  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.  The WASP 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, “Marguerite’s love of flying started at age 13 when she built model airplanes out of wood.  While working in an insurance company, she started taking flying lessons.  Upon learning of the WASP program, she was one of 25,000 women to apply.  Only 2,000 were accepted, and Marguerite was one of only 1,102 who made it through the rigorous requirements.  She went on to serve as a flight trainer in addition to ferrying passengers and engaging in the test flying of aircraft.”