LTC Julia Elizabeth Ledbetter

NEWPORT NEWS - Lieutenant Colonel Julia Elizabeth (Julie) Ledbetter, 91, a long-time resident of Newport News, died peacefully in her home on Tuesday, August 6, 2013. In her star-studded careers, 1942-1974, Julie served as a member of the elite Women's Air Force Service Pilots (WASP). In 1948, she enlisted in the US Women's Army Corps. Following her basic training, she attended Officer Candidate School, graduating as a second lieutenant. Her 26 year Army career was marked by assignments of ever-increasing responsibilities. Born in Anderson, SC on December 20, 1921, Julie was the only daughter of Louie R. and Laura H. Ledbetter. She attended Winthrop College and received a degree in Journalism from the University of South Carolina in 1942. LTC Ledbetter was one of 25,000 women who applied to be WASPs. She was one of the 1,000 women selected to serve in this demanding role. She trained as a member of the WASP Class 43-5, the first full class to train at Avenger Field in Texas. She served as a WASP from March 1942 until the disbandment of the organization on December 20, 1943, her 23rd birthday. An additional endorsement of her abilities as a pilot was that she was one of 13 WASPs who trained and was qualified to fly the B-17 "Flying Fortress" bomber. A final honor bestowed upon this outstanding pilot and soldier was the Congressional Gold Medal, presented to all surviving members of the WASP in a ceremony held at the US Capitol on March 9, 2010. In retirement, Julie greatly enjoyed golfing, bridge, and attending conferences with WASP and Army Associates. Julie is survived by her best friend in life for more than 50 years, Phyllis A. George; her first cousins, Betty Horton Martin, Grace Ledbetter Clary, both of SC, and Joseph Ledbetter of TN; her dear friend, Betty Anderson Barton, and her daughter and Julie's namesake and godchild, Julie Barton Haynes, both of SC. Funeral services with full military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements are by Weymouth Funeral Home.