Marcella Ng facts for kids
Marcella Ann Ng (born July 24, 1956) is a very important person in American history. She was the first African American woman to become a pilot in the United States Armed Forces. This means she was the first Black woman to fly planes for the U.S. military!
About Marcella Ng
Marcella Ann Hayes was born in 1956 in Mexico, Missouri. She grew up in Centralia, Missouri, where her grandparents raised her.
She finished high school at Hickman High School in Columbia, Missouri, in 1974. After that, she went to the University of Wisconsin–Madison. In 1978, she earned her college degree in English. When she was younger, Marcella first wanted to become a doctor.
Marcella is married to Dennis Ng. They have three children together.
Her Amazing Career
Marcella joined the ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps) during her second year of college. ROTC is a program that trains college students to become officers in the military after they graduate.
After finishing college in 1978, Marcella joined the U.S. Army. On November 27, 1979, she made history. At the U.S. Army Aviation Center in Fort Rucker, Alabama, she became the first Black woman to become a pilot in the United States Armed Forces. She was also the 55th woman overall to achieve this.
Marcella served in the army for 22 years. She retired in 2000 with the rank of lieutenant colonel. This is a high rank in the military.
In 2022, Marcella Ng was honored for her achievements. She was added to the University of Wisconsin-Madison Army ROTC Hall of Fame. This recognized her important contributions and her pioneering spirit.
