Maggie Gee (pilot) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Margaret "Maggie" Gee
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Maggie Gee during World War II
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| Born |
Gee Mei Gue
August 5, 1923 Berkeley, California
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| Died | February 1, 2013 (aged 89) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Pilot, physicist and researcher |
| Known for | One of two Chinese-American women pilots during World War II |
Maggie Gee (born August 5, 1923 – died February 1, 2013) was an amazing American pilot. She flew planes during World War II as part of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). She was one of only two Chinese-American women to be a WASP pilot. These brave women helped train male pilots and moved military planes around the country. Female pilots were not allowed to fly in combat at that time.
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Maggie Gee's Early Life
Maggie Gee was born in Berkeley, California, on August 5, 1923. She was one of six children. Her family had moved to California from China. Her grandfather was a pioneer in the abalone fishing industry.
In 1941, Maggie started studying physics at the University of California, Berkeley. Physics is the study of how the world works, like energy and matter. But she left college after a few months. This was because the United States had entered World War II.
She went to work at the Mare Island Naval Shipyard. She worked in the drafting department, helping to design things for ships. Her mother also worked there as a welder.
Flying for Her Country
Maggie Gee and two friends bought a car for $25. They drove all the way to Sweetwater, Texas. There, Maggie trained for six months to become a WASP pilot.
As a WASP pilot, Maggie helped the war effort. She would fly military planes from factories to airbases. She also helped train male pilots for combat missions. The WASP program was very important for supporting the soldiers fighting overseas.
A Career in Science
After the war, Maggie Gee worked for 30 years at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. This lab does important scientific research. She worked on designing weapon systems. She also worked on nuclear and magnetic fusion.
She helped design nuclear warheads and the Poseidon missile. Maggie retired in 1988. However, she continued to advise the university's programs.
Making a Difference
Maggie Gee was also very active in politics. For many years, she was an elected member of the Alameda County Democratic Central Committee. This group helps organize the Democratic Party in the area.
She worked to help people register to vote. She also helped raise money for political causes. Maggie served on the California Democratic Party Executive Board. She was also part of the Asian Pacific Islander Democratic Caucus.
Awards and Recognition
Maggie Gee's story is told in many books and documentaries. In 2009, a book about her life was published. It was called Sky High: The True Story of Maggie Gee.
In 2010, Maggie and all other living WASP pilots received a special honor. They were given the Congressional Gold Medal. This is one of the highest awards a civilian can receive in the United States. She also received many awards from the Democratic Party.
Maggie Gee's Words
- "When I was growing up, my heroes were Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh. I loved to watch airplanes fly."
- "You can make changes. I think just one small person can make a little bit of change."
See also
In Spanish: Maggie Gee para niños
