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Cornelia Fort

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description Cornelia Fort Overview

Cornelia Fort was an American aviator and flight instructor who became one of the first women to fly military aircraft for the United States during World War II. She joined the Women's Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron, an organization later incorporated into the Women Airforce Service Pilots, and ferried aircraft for the war effort. Fort died in a midair collision in 1943 and is recognized as the first American woman pilot killed on active military duty.

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Who was Cornelia Fort?

Cornelia Fort was an American aviator and flight instructor. She became one of the first women to fly military aircraft for the United States during World War II.

What organization did Cornelia Fort join?

Fort joined the Women's Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron, known as the WAFS. The organization was later incorporated into the Women Airforce Service Pilots, or WASP.

What did Cornelia Fort do before military ferrying?

She worked as a flight instructor before joining wartime ferrying work. Her experience teaching pilots helped prepare her for military aircraft duties.

Why is Cornelia Fort remembered in aviation history?

She helped open military flying roles to American women during World War II. Her career links civilian instruction, wartime ferrying, and the creation of the WASP structure.