19 Facts About Teresa James

Teresa James was known as a stunt pilot and later became a Major in the Air Force Reserves.

Teresa James flew most of her life and fought for military recognition for the WASP.

Teresa James had seen a plane wreck the year before she started flying and shortly after, her brother had nearly died in a plane crash.

Teresa James learned to fly with a friend, Harry Fogle, in an OX-5 powered Travel Air 2000 and began working as a stunt pilot with Fogle and his friends.

Teresa James started ice skating after pilots she worked with "practically dared" her to skate.

Teresa James went on to earn a commercial license in 1941 and became a flight instructor.

Teresa James was the first woman flight instructor to graduate from the Buffalo Aeronautical Institute.

Teresa James married one of her students, George "Dink" Martin in 1942.

Teresa James received a telegram on September 9,1942, requesting that she report to the New Castle Army Air Base.

Teresa James' husband was called to the war effort and was sent overseas to work as a bomber pilot.

Teresa James wouldn't learn the full story of Martin's death until 1984, when she met the twin sons of the man who pulled his body out of the plane wreckage.

Teresa James passed her flying and physical tests for the WAFS and was sworn in on October 6,1942.

Teresa James was one of the first women in the WAFS and was assigned the first long-distance solo mission.

Teresa James stayed with the WAFS as they were merged to form the Women Airforce Service Pilots and until the organization was disbanded on December 20,1944.

Teresa James wrote to Congress, requesting veterans' status for the WASP.

Teresa James even wrote to the Chinese Air Force, requesting to fly for them, but was rejected.

Teresa James would continue to fight for the WASP to be recognized with veterans status.

Teresa James moved to Lake Worth Beach in 1979 to be closer to her parents.

Teresa James was a member of the Ninety Nines, and the P-47 Thunderbolt Pilots Association.