Special to The Explorer
Northwest resident Sylvia Clayton, 90, is a recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal for her service with the Women Air Service Pilots, or WASP, during World War II.
"My mom's been waiting a long time for this," said Bob Clayton, also of Tucson. He accompanied his mother across the country to receive her medal March 10 at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.
The Congressional Gold Medal is awarded to U.S. residents who illustrated the "highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions," according to information from the U.S. House of Representatives.
The WASP was a select group of 1,074 young women pilots who became pioneers serving their country during WWII. They were the first women in history to fly America's military aircraft. The Army Air Force used them to take over military flying jobs in the U.S. so male pilots could go overseas and fly combat missions. In less than two years, they flew over 60 million miles — in every type of aircraft and on every type of mission in the Army Air Force except combat.
Sylvia learned to fly while attending Western Union College with her brother in Lemars, Iowa. She went there thinking she was going to become a dietician.
"But I changed my mind," she said, "when the college sent out a letter to students inviting them to learn to fly." After attending a meeting, her brother told her, "'they're going to let one girl be in and I think you should be it'."
"The instructor took me up and I didn't get air sick, so that was a plus," Clayton said of her first flight.
Once accepted into the WASP, Sylvia flew five different types of single engine fighters: 39, 40, 47, P51 and P63. She also flew a C47.
After the war, she became a jet engine mechanic. In fact, Sylvia was rebuilding jet engines when she met her future husband, a project engineer.
"My mother has taught me that limitations on what you can do are artificial and you can overcome them," son Bob said.
Born and raised in Minnesota, Sylvia moved with her family to Tucson in 1961. Today, she makes her home at The Fountains at La Cholla.
"We're so excited that one of our residents will be honored in this way," said Kay Warren, executive director of The Fountains. "Sylvia is one of many Fountains residents who have served our country and we're proud of each and every one of them."
Rep. Gabrielle Giffords shared her congratulations.
"Contrary to popular belief, Rosie the Riveter wasn't the only female member of the Greatest Generation," said Giffords. "Women from every corner of the country and every walk of life answered the call of duty to defend our nation and fight fascism at a critical moment in our history. Among them were the WASPs — the Women Airforce Service Pilots. These women and their extraordinary contributions, largely overlooked for so many years, will finally receive the recognition they so richly deserve."
"My heartfelt congratulations goes out to these women," said Giffords, a member of the House Armed Services Committee. "Each and every one of them not only did their part for the war effort but led the way for future generations of women military pilots."
