Elaine Harmon answered her country’s call during World War II, serving as part of the Army’s Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASPs) program.
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Between 1942 and 1944, the WASPs logged 60 million miles flying missions across the United States, according to Mikulski’s office.
But just before her death a year ago, then-Army Secretary John McHugh decided WASPs did not qualify for inclusion at Arlington, and never should have. It took an act of Congress, but Harmon was finally laid to rest on at Arlington National Cemetery, she died previous year at age 95.
“Brings back memories”, the congresswoman said.
On Wednesday, Harmon’s ashes will be inurned at a funeral service with military honors.
During WWII, no USA women were allowed to participate directly in combat, though many found themselves in combat situations throughout the duration of the war.
WASPs in attendance like Shirley Kruse said, “For someone to step forward and fight for us is really gratifying”. But since the women were technically civilians, the US Army that employed them would not allow the US flag to be put on the coffin of fallen pilots. He was surrounded by former WASPs, including Harmon. The WASPs delivered war planes, ferried cargo and towed targets for other pilots. “We are very proud to be able to recognize these women and place them in a cemetery that has such significance to those that fought during war time”.
That Arlington burial ban happened right when the military was opening up most combat jobs to women.
In May, President Barack Obama signed legislation allowing WASPs in Arlington.
In the reception after Harmon’s burial, Terry Harmon said, “My mother’s last dying wish was to have her remains in Arlington”. She owed those women, she said, including Harmon.
“While certainly worthy of recognition, [the WASP service] does not, in itself, reach the level of active duty service required” said the site, claiming the eligibility criteria were “more stringent, due to space limitations”.
Former Fox News anchor Greta Van Susteren, who attended the funeral, found Harmon’s story interesting and connected her family to McSally. “Most of us WASP followers knew that Elaine had wanted to be buried there”.
The Harmon family eventually petitioned on Change.org to reverse the decision that denied Harmon’s burial. Representative McSally told the Monitor that she had always looked up to WASPs.
“For 30-some years”, she said, “they’ve been trying to shove us under the rug”.
Harmon’s granddaughter, Erin Miller, helped lead the lobbying efforts. “In a way, we’ve already grieved, and this now is about closure”.
She says the WASPs were an inspiration for her when she was the only female pilot in her class.
“I said, ‘Carlos, I’m so happy you care about this issue but only one person can take the lead – do you have wings and ovaries?'” she said, referring to a conversation she had on the House floor with fellow Republican, Florida Rep. Carlos Curbelo.
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“And they did it, by God, they did it”.
