2nd Lt. Elsie S. Ott, serving as the flight nurse during the inaugural intercontinental air evacuation mission, showcased the possibilities of air transport in January 1943. Despite being an Army nurse without prior flying experience or specific air evacuation training, Ott effectively managed the transfer of five critically ill patients from India to Washington, D.C.

This journey, which typically required three months via ship and ground travel, was accomplished in just six days. In recognition of her remarkable efforts on this groundbreaking flight, Ott was honored with the first-ever Air Medal granted to a woman. Subsequently, she underwent formal training as a flight nurse.

Source: “2nd Lt. Elsie S. Ott.” National Museum of the United States Air ForceTM, www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/196422/2nd-lt-elsie-s-ott/. Accessed 3 Jan. 2024.