Cornelia Fort: WAFS Pilot & Pearl Harbor Survivor - Her Story
Could a young woman, barely out of her twenties, truly become a pioneer in a man's world, forever changing the landscape of aviation during a time of global conflict? Cornelia Clark Fort not only answered this question with a resounding "yes," but she also etched her name in history as a symbol of courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication to her country.
On December 7, 1941, while conducting a civilian training flight at Pearl Harbor, Cornelia Fort found herself thrust into the heart of a war she couldn't officially join, yet she would fight with the only weapons she had. She was the first United States pilot to encounter the Japanese air fleet during the attack. This pivotal moment, however, was just the beginning of her remarkable journey.
Born on February 5, 1919, in Nashville, Tennessee, into a family of considerable means, Cornelia Fort possessed a spirit as boundless as the skies she loved to explore. Her father, Rufus Elijah Fort, a prominent figure in the community and a founder of the National Life and Accident Insurance Company, instilled in her a strong sense of purpose. Despite the family's wealth and social standing, Cornelia forged her own path. She graduated from Sarah Lawrence College in New York in 1939 and, defying societal expectations, developed a passion for flying. Her dedication was unwavering, and she obtained her pilot's license by the summer of 1940.
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The loss of her father on March 22, 1940, at the age of 21, deeply affected Cornelia. Grief, however, fueled her resolve. On April 27th, she took to the sky and soloed. The event solidified her dedication to aviation, pushing her to aggressively pursue her flight training with greater determination.
Cornelia's initial encounter with the war came as a civilian instructor at Pearl Harbor. Although the Pearl Harbor attack was a devastating event, it sparked a sense of urgency in Cornelia. Witnessing the carnage firsthand, she understood the crucial need for trained pilots. When the United States entered World War II, she found herself in a unique position. While she could not enlist in combat roles due to her gender, her skills were invaluable. Fort became one of 1,074 women to fly for the Army Air Forces.
She emerged as a spokesperson for the U.S. military, appearing in short films to promote war bonds, using her growing popularity to garner support for the war effort. Her efforts on camera caught the attention of Nancy Love, a recruiter for the Women's Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS), an organization that ferried military aircraft. Eventually, WAFS became part of the Women's Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) in 1943.
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Cornelia's service with the WAFS took her to various bases, including New Castle Army Air Base in Wilmington, Delaware, and Love Field in Dallas, Texas. The women ferried a wide range of aircraft, freeing up male pilots for combat duty. These brave women faced hazardous conditions and the stigma of being female in a male-dominated field, with no recognition of their service. She faced the risk of enemy fire as a civilian pilot.
On March 21, 1943, while on a mission to deliver a military plane, Cornelia Fort's life was tragically cut short in a plane crash near Abilene, Texas. The news of her death reached her family in Nashville, a devastating blow that echoed throughout the community. The commanding officer of the Sixth Ferrying Group, Adela R. Spake, sent a letter on March 22, 1943 to Mrs. Cornelia Clark Fort, expressing the profound loss and paying tribute to her daughter's service.
Her legacy endures. In her short life, Cornelia Fort defied expectations and broke barriers, serving her country with unwavering dedication and courage. Her story is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the enduring impact of those who dare to dream and to act, even in the face of adversity. She was laid to rest in the Fort family plot, a poignant reminder of her service and sacrifice.
American actress Jeff Donnell played Cornelia Fort in the popular 1970 film, "Tora! Tora! Tora!," bringing her story to a wider audience. Photos of Cornelia Fort, of her fellow WAFS, and of her gravestone, help to preserve her memory.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cornelia Clark Fort |
| Born | February 5, 1919, Nashville, Tennessee, USA |
| Died | March 21, 1943, near Abilene, Texas, USA (Plane Crash) |
| Parents | Rufus Elijah Fort (Father, Doctor and Insurance Executive) and Louise (Clark) Fort (Mother, Homemaker) |
| Education | Sarah Lawrence College (Graduated 1939) |
| Occupation | Pilot, Women's Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS), Women's Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) |
| Significant Events | First U.S. pilot to encounter the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor (December 7, 1941), Spokesperson for the U.S. military, Ferried military aircraft |
| Legacy | Pioneer in women's military aviation, symbol of courage and sacrifice, inspiration for future generations. |
| Film Portrayal | Played by Jeff Donnell in the film "Tora! Tora! Tora!" |
| Assigned Bases | New Castle Army Air Base (Wilmington, Delaware) and Love Field (Dallas, Texas) |
| Other Info | Her father founded the National Life and Accident Insurance Company. There was an airport in Nashville, Tennessee named Cornelia Fort Airpark. |
| Reference | Wikipedia |
The story of Cornelia Fort is both inspiring and tragic. She represents the bravery and sacrifice of the women who served during World War II. Her actions and accomplishments continue to resonate today, reminding us of the importance of courage, determination, and the pursuit of one's dreams, regardless of societal limitations.
It's a story that's often repeated, that the heroine dies in the end, but it doesn't diminish the importance of her contribution in any manner. She was a pioneer who blazed a trail, and her memory serves as a beacon of inspiration for generations.
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