Friday, March 29, 2024

BT-13 flyover to be piloted by Granbury woman

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This Saturday morning, during Granbury’s 4th of July Freedom and Fireworks parade, be sure to look skyward when you hear the roar. You just may see WASPs in the air.

During the World War II, female aviators flew many of the freshly manufactured aircraft to the training fields and combat fronts. These women were called WASPs (Women Airforce Service Pilots), the group founded by Jacqueline Cochran.

The polished silver warbird you’ll see and hear, designated the “Vultee Valiant,” will be piloted by Jeannette Stone and David Townsend, both of Granbury.

“I feel honored to represent these women who sacrificed so much and were such an inspiration to so many,” Stone said. “It is a privilege to fly this airplane and help keep their history and their memories alive.”

Stone will be carrying on what has become a great American aviation tradition – The War Bird Flyover. She is a lifelong aviation enthusiast and an instructor and co-owner of the Aviate at the Lake Flight School here in Granbury.

“My hope is that the next generation of young aviators will help keep these beautiful old war birds flying,” Stone said. “We need to continue to inspire a love of history through aviation.”

First built in 1939, designated the BT-13 (Basic Trainer – Model 13), this plane was the basic trainer for U.S. Army Air Corps, later to become the U.S. Air Force, and the U.S. Navy. But as World War II ramped up, there was a shortage of male pilots to perform both combat missions and the crucial ferrying of aircraft.

A call went out for women who wanted to fly. Women from all over the country, who dreamed of flying and who wanted to support the war effort, responded to that call. After meeting the same rigorous physical and academic standards as their male counterparts, more than 1,000 female pilots were awarded their wings. All of those women warriors were trained at Avenger Field in Sweetwater.

Flying in every sort of weather and on every kind of non-combat mission, the pilots flew bombers and fighters to air bases throughout the nation.

They were the cream of the crop of their generation and led the way for women aviators who today serve in all capacities, including combat roles and fighter pilots. Thirty-eight of these brave women gave their lives in service to their country.

Catch the BT-13 flyover between 10-10:20 a.m.

“It was the Greatest Generation that inspired me in my life and in the career I chose,” Townsend said. “How can anyone learn of what these people did, so selflessly, and not be moved? What a magnificent country to produce such incredible individuals.”