Early Passion for Flight
Hazel Ying Lee was born in 1912 in Portland, Oregon, to Chinese immigrant parents. She developed a passion for flying at a young age and became one of the first Chinese-American women to earn a pilot’s license in 1932. She trained at the Chinese Flying Club of Portland, defying the societal norms of the time.
Joining the War Effort
When World War II broke out, Lee volunteered for the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) program in 1943. She was among 38 women of Chinese descent who joined the war effort. Lee flew high-risk aircraft ferrying missions, delivering planes from factories to military bases, including fighters like the P-63 Kingcobra.
Facing Danger
Flying during wartime was dangerous, even for experienced pilots like Lee. She survived a forced crash landing in Kansas due to mechanical failure but remained undeterred and continued flying.
Final Mission
In November 1944, during a mission to ferry aircraft, Lee was involved in a collision while landing. Tragically, she passed away from injuries sustained in the accident, making her the last WASP to die during the war.
Pioneering Pilot in Wartime America 🛩️
Early Passion for Flight
Hazel Ying Lee was born in 1912 in Portland, Oregon, to Chinese immigrant parents. She developed a passion for flying at a young age and became one of the first Chinese-American women to earn a pilot’s license in… pic.twitter.com/gIQx09aRyx— Detective Tiger’s Stories (@TigerDetective) October 14, 2024