Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) today attended a ceremony honoring the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) of World War II as they received the Congressional Gold Medal in the U.S. Capitol. Six WASPs from Connecticut will receive the Medal: Jane Tadeschi of Bethany, Ann Gleszner of Danbury, Gloria Heath of Greenwich, Anita Matthew of Litchfield, Jane Miller of Branford, and Marcia Milner of Essex.
“These six women from Connecticut, along with hundreds of other women from across the country, bravely answered the call to service during World War II—at a time when female pilots were uncommon,” said Dodd. “Their valor and selfless service to our country helped blaze the trail for women in the military today. I applaud them for their service and congratulate them on receiving the Congressional Gold Medal—an honor they truly deserve.”
The Congressional Gold Medal is considered one of the highest civilian awards in our country. Approximately 300 surviving WASPs will receive the award.
The WASPs were a pioneering organization of civilian female pilots employed to fly military aircrafts under the direction of the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. In August of last year, Dodd hosted an event at the VA Connecticut Healthcare System in West Haven to honor Connecticut’s WASPs for their service to our country.
