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Penny Rafferty Hamilton, Ph.D.'s avatar

Inspiring and so many wonderful stories yet to share. Thanks

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Penny Rafferty Hamilton, Ph.D.'s avatar

Hazel Ying Lee was the last of the 38 Women Airforce Service Pilots-WASP who gave her life in the service of our country during World War II. She was burned to death in the crash of the military Kingcobra that she was ordered to fly to Montana. Air controller error was the reason for the airplanes to collide at the Great Falls airport. Hazel was burned in her flight suit when they pulled her from the burning aircraft. She lingered on for two days so badly burned she could hardly be recognized. The medical team even commented on her brave and stoic fight to live. Her story is one which demonstrated courage and patriotism. Her use of Chinese good fortune symbols reflected her heritage. Pilots often named their airplanes and painted them during World War II. Thanks for sharing your interesting view from the Grit and Lace story.

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Penny Rafferty Hamilton, Ph.D.'s avatar

Thank you so much for the encouragement. The WASP and the Russian Night Witches are some of my favorite women in aviation stories.

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Bobby Hamilton's avatar

Fascinating story!!

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Rebecca Strand's avatar

I do not understand why this lady pilot, who represented the USA, put Chinese symbols on her plane and then went to China? She sounds like an opportunist and not a very good citizen. She seems to want all the advantages of a citizen but not all the responsibilities. - my take on your story.

Rebecca Strand

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Rob Duncan's avatar

GREAT STORY Penny. Keep 'em coming!

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