The Women Airforce Service Pilots of World War II on March 10 received the Congressional Gold Medal at a gala ceremony in the US Capitol building attended by the Air Force leadership and senior members of Congress. More than 200 surviving WASPs, many wearing World War II uniforms, were there in person, along with family members and friends, to receive the award, the highest Congressional honor for civilians. The WASPs were recognized for their trailblazing contributions during World War II when they flew military aircraft in non-combat roles to free up male pilots for combat. “It’s almost unbelievable, we never thought this day would come,” Betty Wall Strohfus, a WASP from Minnesota, said at the event. She added, “We were all just so grateful to have the opportunity to fly.” (SAF/PA report by SSgt. J.G. Buzanowski) (See also Buzanowski’s report on March 9 wreath-laying ceremony.)
The Air Force displayed all the firepower it has amassed on Okinawa in an unusually diverse show of force this week. IIn a May 6 “Elephant Walk,” Kadena Air Base showcased 24 F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters, eight F-15E Strike Eagles; two U.S. Army Patriot anti-missile batteries near the runway; and…