Rob Simbeck

Praised by the Daily Oklahoman as "touching and entertaining," Rob Simbeck's biography of Cornelia Fort is wonderfully evocative and moving. Like Beryl Markham's and Amelia Earhart's, Cornelia Fort's daring life as a pilot was both inspiring and groundbreaking. Raised on her parents' Nashville estate and educated at a prestigious finishing school, Fort rejected the role expected of her in society to become a pilot. A member of the first women's flight squadron and one of the few to witness the bombing of Pearl Harbor (while conducting a civilian training flight), she persevered in her courageous career, as one of the war's first female pilots, despite rampant prejudice toward women. Selling out just six weeks after its first printing, Daughter of the Air interweaves Cornelia Fort's own eloquent letters and diaries, historical documents, and the interviews of those who knew and flew with her, to create a vivid portrait of an infinitely courageous woman. It both tells Cornelia's remarkable story -- a life shaped by bravery, intelligence, and charm -- and describes the era's political and social atmosphere.… (mais)

When you think of female pilots, Amelia Earhart immediately leaps to mind. Sadly, most people would probably have difficulty thinking of any others. Now I have another name on my list: Cornelia Fort. Fort was the daughter of a prominent Nashville family, a member of the Junior League and a debutante. Interestingly, Fort's father insisted that Cornelia spend a year at Ogontz School and Junior College, where the women participated in military drills. Amelia Earhart had attended the same school.

A brief flight with a friend's pilot boyfriend changed Cornelia's life. She found her passion in flying. She quickly devoted herself to getting her pilot's license and then to qualifying as an instructor. In the fall of 1941 she was working as a flight instructor in Hawaii. Cornelia and a student were in the air when Pearl Harbor was bombed by the Japanese. She was able to safely land the plane and take cover until the bombing raid ended.

For a time, the war reduced Cornelia's opportunities to fly. Her presence at Pearl Harbor gave her a celebrity status, and she made several public appearances. Everything changed again in the fall of 1942, when Cornelia was invited to join the newly-formed WAFS – Women's Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron. By using women to transfer planes to where they were needed, male pilots could be freed for combat duty.

Cornelia and her fellow WAFS had the responsibilities of military pilots, yet they had few of the benefits. They paid rent for their barracks. They were required to wear uniforms, but had to pay for them out of their own pockets. They had to pay some of their travel expenses on return journeys to their base after their deliveries. Most of the women had more flying experience than many of the men who ferried planes, usually fresh out of flight school. The women knew that they would be judged differently than men and they strove for excellence. When weather conditions didn't permit them to fly, they spent time in additional training, further honing their skills.

Cornelia was delivering a plane to Dallas with several male pilots when she was killed in an accident. Another plane got too close to hers, and the mid-air collision that barely affected the other plane sent Cornelia's into a fatal crash. She became the first woman to die in active service in World War II. Since she was civilian rather than military, she did not receive military honors at her funeral and her family paid her funeral expenses.

The author had access to Cornelia's papers and letters, and he conducted extensive interviews with Cornelia's family, friends, and colleagues. The result is a very readable biography of a brave woman who died far too young. The book should appeal to readers with an interest in aviation history, women's history, World War II and women's service, and Nashville history.… (mais)