Born: 1923 (Berkeley, California)
Died: 2013
Biography:
Maggie Gee (August 5, 1923 – February 1, 2013) was an American aviator who served in the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) in World War II. She was born in Berkeley, California, on August 5, 1923, and was one of six children. As a third-generation Chinese American, Gee had a diverse cultural background, with her maternal grandparents having moved to California from a village in Guangdong. Her grandfather was a pioneer in the abalone industry on the Monterey Peninsula.
In 1941, Gee initially enrolled at the University of California, Berkeley to study physics. However, she dropped out after a few months to contribute to the war effort. Following the United States’ entry into World War II, Gee joined the drafting department at the Mare Island Naval Shipyard, where her mother, Jung An Yoke, also worked as a welder. But Gee’s desire to serve her country in a more direct manner led her to join the Women Airforce Service Pilots.
Gee and two of her co-workers pooled their resources to purchase a car for $25, embarking on a journey to Avenger Field in Sweetwater, Texas. It was there that she underwent rigorous training for six months to become a WASP. As a WASP pilot, Gee played a crucial role by training male pilots for combat since women were not allowed to serve in combat at that time. Additionally, she also ferried military aircraft to support the war effort.
After the war, Gee worked at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. However, her dedication to public service extended beyond her military service. For many decades, she served as an elected member of the Alameda County Democratic Central Committee, actively supporting voter registration and fundraising. She was also a longstanding board member and treasurer of the Berkeley Democratic Club in Berkeley, California. Her commitment to politics and public engagement led her to serve on the California Democratic Party Executive Board and Asian Pacific Islander Democratic Caucus.
Throughout her life, Gee made a significant impact on society as an advocate for women’s rights and Asian American representation. Her dedication to breaking barriers and challenging societal norms made her a trailblazer and an inspiration for many. Gee’s story has been featured in several books, oral history projects, and documentaries, further highlighting her contributions to women’s history and her invaluable service as a WASP pilot.
Awards:
– In 2010, Maggie Gee, alongside all other living WASP pilots, was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of their service during World War II.
– Gee received numerous awards and citations from the Democratic Party, acknowledging her significant contributions to the party and her commitment to public service.
– In March 2014, she was posthumously honored with an award from the Asian Pacific Democratic Caucus of Alameda County for her outstanding contributions.
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