LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Jackie Cochran: Air Force
built 185 days ago
After getting lost somewhere along the Hudson River, Jackie landed at a small airport and asked for directions. The airport attendant was stunned when the novice pilot admitted that she not only didn’t know which way Montreal was, she ... could not read a compass.
Especially, the efforts of two women made this possible: Jacqueline (Jackie) Cochran and Nancy Harkness Love. The story of how two units of female pilots, later combined as the Women’s Airforce Service Pilots, were formed is an amazing part of America’s military history.
Source:
In 1948 Cochran joined the U.S. Air Force Reserve where she eventually rose to the rank of Colonel. Numerous countries around the world recognized Jackie’s achievements in aviation. She was given many citations and decorations. In 1949, the government of France recognized her contribution to the war and aviation by awarding her the Legion of Honor and in 1951 she was awarded the French Air Medal. Jackie is the only woman to ever receive the Gold Medal from the Federation Aeronautique International. She would ... be elected to that body's board of directors.
Source:
After being a fog forced her down near Syracuse, Jackie decided that three weeks of flight training was not nearly enough. She instinctively knew that the sky would be her second home, and that her safety and efficiency would hinge on a revolutionary concept - blind flight.
MORE ABOUT
Air Force