“The Women Air Service Pilots deserve our recognition as patriots and trailblazers,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “Today, women can serve in every branch of the United States Armed Forces, thanks in large part to the groundbreaking service of these pilots.”

Women Air Service Pilots were the first women in history to fly America’s military aircraft. They volunteered to serve their country at a time of great need, sometimes paying their own way through the Army Air Corps’ military flight training program. They flew more than 60 million miles in every type of aircraft on every type of mission except direct combat missions, and 38 of them lost their lives serving their country.

“It’s time for a grateful nation to honor the amazing women who in one swing struck a blow for both liberty and equality,” said Rehberg.