About Geraldine Pratt May
Lived 1895 – 1997 (aged 102). Geraldine Pratt May was an American military officer.
Col. Geraldine Pratt May (April 21, 1895 – November 2, 1997) was the first director of the Women's Air Force (WAF) and the first woman colonel in the United States Air Force.
In 1948, May became the first director of the newly created the Women's Air Force (WAF) and was promoted to the rank of colonel making her the first woman colonel in the United States Air Force.
May received the Legion of Merit for her service during World War II.
Death and legacy May died in Menlo Park, California at the age of 102. She is interred at Arlington National Cemetery.
Don’t just read it —
keep it.
Full-length biographies made to live with: read them, listen on the way to work, watch them tonight.
- E-book
- Audio
- Video
Instant download · yours to keep · every purchase keeps this site free
Important facts
People in Geraldine Pratt May's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Related people
Same field, nearest in time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Geraldine Pratt May's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Geraldine Pratt May?
military leader
When was Geraldine Pratt May born?
Geraldine Pratt May was born on 21 April 1895 in Albany.
When did Geraldine Pratt May die?
Geraldine Pratt May died on 2 November 1997 in Menlo Park.
What was Geraldine Pratt May's occupation?
Geraldine Pratt May was a military officer.
What nationality was Geraldine Pratt May?
Geraldine Pratt May was American.
Sources & further reading
· Wikipedia: Geraldine Pratt May
· DBpedia: Geraldine Pratt May
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Geraldine Pratt May. https://biography.guide/geraldine-pratt-may/
MLA: "Geraldine Pratt May." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/geraldine-pratt-may/.
Chicago: "Geraldine Pratt May." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/geraldine-pratt-may/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
Page generated 2026-09-27 05:25 UTC