About
Legendary aviation pioneer who earned the U.S. Distinguished Flying Cross for becoming the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean. She also helped to form a group of female pilots known as The Ninety-Nines.
Before Fame
She grew up as a tomboy, frequently playing on trees and hunting animals such as rats. In her early 20s, she delivered medication and meals to wounded World War I soldiers at Spadina Military Hospital.
Trivia
In 1935, She joined Purdue's aviation department. She was close friends with Eleanor Roosevelt during the 1930s. In June 1937, the plane she was flying disappeared over the Pacific Ocean and she was declared dead in absentia in January 1939.
Family Life
She turned down six proposals before accepting George P. Putnam's hand in marriage. They married on February 7, 1931.
Associated With
Hilary Swank portrayed her in the 2009 film Amelia.
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