aviator, Women’s Army Corps; b. Eau Claire, Wis., on March 25, 1928. After earning her civil aviation authority flying license, solo certificate, and silver wings, Yvonne Pitt embarked on her military career. She was a member of the Women’s Army  Corps (WAC) until its assimilation into the regular army in 1978. She was the first female Command Sergeant Major in Wisconsin at the 30th Hospital Center, Army Reserve. She was awarded a Legion of Merit for her work in developing a training program for non-commissioned officers in nuclear, biological & chemical protection. Pitt also received the commander’s award for civilian service and received the Bong Memorial Award in 1987. Yvonne Pitt was the first woman to fly an airplane solo in Thorp, Wis., and  was named an honorary sheriff of Atlantic County, New Jersey, on September 4, 1952.

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[Source: Submitted by Julie Mayhew of Alverno College. Based on an interview with Ms. Pitt conducted Sept. 21, 2011; and scattered articles in the Clark County News]