Josephine Pitz Egan

Josephine (Dodi) Pitz Egan (March 30, 1913 – April 13, 2006) was an American pilot who was a member of the Women Air Service Pilots (WASP) during World War II, having completed her training for the group on September 11, 1943, and was a member of class 43-W-5. The WASPs were a pioneering group of female pilots who flew non-combat missions to free up male pilots for combat roles. Her husband was Col. John Egan.

Early life Pitz was born in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, in 1913. She flew her first solo flight in September 1929 at the age of 16 and earned her pilot's license in August 1930, making her Manitowoc's first woman to do so. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1935 with a degree in Chemistry.

Pitz was trained at Avenger Field in Sweetwater, Texas, where she learned to fly many aircraft. For her training, Pitz learned to fly the PT-19A, the BT-15, the AT-6, and the AT-17 Bobcat. She retired as a 1st Lieutenant. Pitz worked with the WASP headquarters in Washington, D.C, to push for this bill.

Death Pitz died on April 13, 2006, at the age of 93. She is buried at Arlington National Cemetery alongside her husband.