Hazel Ying Lee

Hazel Ying Lee was a Chinese-American pilot who served in the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) during World War II, making her one of the first Chinese-American women to fly for the United States military.

Born in Portland, Oregon, on August 24, 1912, Lee developed a keen interest in flying at a young age. After high school, she took flying lessons and obtained her pilot's license.

In 1933, due to gender and racial discrimination, she was unable to find work as a pilot in the United States. Consequently, she moved to China in an attempt to join the Chinese Air Force but was rejected because the military did not accept female pilots at that time. However, she managed to find work in China as a commercial pilot.

When the United States entered World War II, Lee returned and became one of the first members of the Women Airforce Service Pilots. In her capacity as a WASP, she flew critical, non-combat missions, ferrying planes from factories to military bases and departure points across the country.

Tragically, Hazel Ying Lee died in November 1944 after her aircraft collided with another plane on the runway during a mission. She was one of the 38 WASPs who died in service. Despite the challenges she faced due to her ethnicity and gender, Hazel Ying Lee left a lasting legacy and is remembered for her courage and determination.