HILLSBOROUGH – Rep. Leonard Lance (NJ-07) today held a special ceremony honoring Genevieve Rausch of Hillsborough for her service in the Women Air Force Service Pilots of World War II (known as the WASP).

This week, President Obama signed legislation, Senate Bill No. 614, that Lance supported which honors Rausch and 1,074 other women for their service in the Women Air Force Service Pilots of World War II (WASP). The new law means that the women – including Rausch – will receive the Congressional Gold Medal – which is Congress’ highest honor.

Rausch, 93, is one of approximately 300 survivors living throughout America.

In Hillsborough, Lance presided over a special ceremony with members of her family and friends to praise her for her outstanding service to America. Lance also presented her with a special American flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol in her honor.

“It is long overdue for Genevieve Rausch of Hillsborough to receive this distinguished award,” said Lance. “As Independence Day approaches, it is only right we honor our veterans. And it is fitting that we honor Genevieve Rausch as a brave American. Her hard work, dedication and selfless sacrifice is deeply appreciated by all Americans. I have great respect and admiration for her and she makes all the residents of Hillsborough proud. ”

Women Air Force Service Pilots flew non-combat military missions so that all their male counterparts could be deployed to combat. These women piloted every kind of military aircraft and logged 60 million miles flying missions across the United States. They were never awarded full military status and were not eligible for officer status. It was not till 1977 that the WASP pilots were granted veterans’ status. Of the 1,102 WASP pilots, only 300 are living today. The Congressional Gold Medals will be awarded to all 1,102 pilots and/or their surviving family members.

Between 1942 and 1944, young American women volunteered for flight training and service. By the end of the war, 1,074 female pilots had received their wings, making them America’s first women to fly military aircraft. They flew non-combat missions, so male pilots could be deployed in combat.

Members of the Rausch family living in Hillsborough, including her nephew Robert Ellwood and his wife Caroline Ellwood, also praised her service and talked about her pride of service.

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