Jean Landis served with the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) during World War II, flying crucial non-combat missions.
- Died: December 13, 2022 (Who else died on December 13?)
- Details of death: Died at Lantern Crest Senior Living in Santee, California at the age of 104.
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Pilot and teacher
Landis learned to fly as a young woman fresh out of college, inspired by legendary aviators including Amelia Earhart (1897–1939). It wasn’t long before her skills became vitally needed as the U.S. entered World War II. Landis was trained to fly the P-51 Mustang, along with only a small number of other women, and she flew it and other warplanes around the country from their factories to the military bases where they were bound for the European and Pacific theaters. After the war, with jobs for female pilots scarce, Landis returned to the career she had trained for, becoming a physical education teacher. She worked at colleges including Ball State Teachers College and San Diego State University before her retirement in 1979. In 2009, Landis was, along with the other women of the WASP, honored with the Congressional Gold Medal. That same year, she was featured in the documentary “She Wore Silver Wings.”
Tributes to Jean Landis
Full obituary: San Diego Union-Tribune
