Born: 1925 (Newark, Ohio)
Biography:
Geraldine Jerrie Fredritz Mock, born on November 22, 1925, in Newark, Ohio, was an American pilot who made history as the first woman to fly solo around the world. Her groundbreaking achievement in 1964 paved the way for future female aviators and served as an inspiration for women in a predominantly male-dominated field.
From a young age, Mock exhibited a fascination with aviation. At just 7 years old, she had the opportunity to fly in the cockpit of a Ford Trimotor airplane with her father, igniting her passion for flight. This early experience solidified her determination to pursue a career in aviation. In high school, Mock found herself drawn to the engineering course and discovered that she had more in common with the boys. It was during this time that she decided flying was her true calling.
After completing her education at Newark High School in 1943, Mock enrolled at Ohio State University (OSU). During her time at OSU, she became a member of Phi Mu sorority. However, her studies at the university were cut short when she married her husband, Russell Mock, in 1945.
Mock’s dream of circumnavigating the globe materialized in 1964. She embarked on her historic journey on March 19, flying a single-engine Cessna 180 named Spirit of Columbus and lovingly nicknamed Charlie. The flight began and ended at Ohio’s Port Columbus Airport, her hometown. Mock undertook this daring expedition as part of a race that unfolded between her and another aviator, Joan Merriam Smith.
Smith had also set off on a solo flight around the world, coincidentally following the flight path taken by Amelia Earhart on her fateful last journey. Although they were not in direct competition, media coverage compared their progress and speculated on who would complete the journey first. Mock’s determination and skill propelled her to become the first woman to successfully finish the flight, captivating the world with her tenacity and courage.
The 29-day, 11-hour, and 59-minute journey took Mock to 21 stopovers across nearly 22,860 miles (36,790 km). Her accomplishment firmly established her place in aviation history and paved the way for future generations of female pilots. In recognition of her achievement, Mock was awarded the Louis Blériot medal by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale in 1965.
Mock went on to share her incredible journey with the world by publishing her book, Three-Eight Charlie, in 1970. The book chronicled her round-the-world flight and inspired countless others to pursue their dreams, regardless of gender. Although out of print, a 50th-anniversary edition was later published, complete with maps, weather charts, and photographs.
Throughout her life, Mock continued to break barriers and inspire others. In her later years, she resided in Quincy, Florida, with her three children. Her legacy as an aviation pioneer lives on, and her impact on women’s history is immeasurable. Jerrie Mock’s remarkable achievement forever changed the narrative surrounding women in aviation and solidified her place as a trailblazer in the field.
Awards:
– Louis Blériot medal from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (1965)