Born: 1912 (Craiova, Romania)
Biography: Mariana Drăgescu, born on 7 September 1912 in Craiova, Romania, was a Romanian military aviator during World War II. She is best known as the last surviving member of the White Squadron, a team of female aviators who flew medical aircraft during the war. Romania was the only country in the world to allow women to pilot medical missions during this time.
Drăgescu was born to a mother who was an independent woman and a music teacher, and a father who was a military man and had become a colonel after World War I. Her fascination with flying began at a young age when, during the start of World War I, she witnessed German planes bombing Bucharest. Although she and her mother sought shelter in a basement during these attacks, young Mariana was eager to see the planes.
At the age of 23, Drăgescu earned her pilot’s license in 1935, becoming the seventh female pilot in Romania. As tensions in Europe escalated in 1938, she received an invitation to join a new aviation team composed entirely of women, which would later be known as the White Squadron. The team comprised five women: Mariana Drăgescu, Virginia Thomas, Nadia Russo, Marina Știrbei, and Irina Burnaia. Sadly, another pilot, Virginia Dutescu, fell ill and was unable to fly with them.
Throughout the war, the White Squadron saved the lives of over 1,500 soldiers injured on the front lines. These brave aviators flew in three small white planes adorned with the red cross sign on the fuselage and wings. As Romania entered the war against the Soviet Union in June 1941, the squadron began transporting wounded soldiers from the front lines to Bucharest for medical care. In some cases, there were no nearby airfields for landing, so they followed orders to land anywhere necessary.
The white planes were a target for enemy forces, but their low altitude of around 50 meters above the ground made pursuing them in the sky too risky for the enemy pilots. However, the German fighters didn’t hesitate to attack the planes once they were on the ground. Consequently, after the first month, the squadron’s aircraft were repainted in camouflage colors to reduce the risk of being targeted.
On the ground, the young female pilots, dressed in their white overalls, often surprised wounded soldiers who, in their weakened state, sometimes believed that they were seeing hallucinations. Despite the dangers they faced, the White Squadron continued their vital mission of transporting injured soldiers with unwavering dedication and courage.
Drăgescu’s contributions during the war were of great significance, as she assisted in saving countless lives. Her role as a female military aviator during a time when women’s contributions were often overlooked or undervalued is particularly noteworthy. Her determination, bravery, and resilience serve as an inspiration to women for generations to come.
Awards:
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