Cornelia Fort Honored with Museum Exhibit

The life and legacy of Cornelia Clark Fort, an aviation trailblazer and a Pearl Harbor eyewitness, now stand honored through a dedicated exhibit at the Chico Air Museum in Chico, California. A restored World War II-era Vultee BT-13 Valiant serves as the centerpiece, symbolizing the courage and determination that defined her short yet impactful career. Her story continues to inspire, reminding us of her invaluable contributions to aviation history and her bravery during one of the most turbulent times in American history.

The idea of dedicating the restored Vultee BT-13 Valiant to Cornelia Fort came from aviation enthusiast Rene Vercruyssen. While it remains uncertain if the plane is the same model she flew during her tragic mid-air collision on March 21, 1943, Vercruyssen was captivated by her story and felt it deserved recognition.

“Cornelia’s story is very much worth telling,” Vercruyssen shared. Though there’s no direct evidence linking the restored plane to Fort, her legacy as a female pioneer in aviation and her remarkable experiences during World War II made her an ideal figure to honor.

Cornelia Fort’s story gained prominence through her harrowing experience during the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941. As a civilian flight instructor, she was conducting a takeoff and landing lesson in an Interstate Cadet monoplane when the first wave of Japanese warplanes descended on Oahu.

Caught in the midst of the chaos, Fort’s quick thinking and skilled piloting saved her life and that of her student. Maneuvering through enemy fire, she managed to land safely at John Rodgers civilian airport. As she touched down, a Japanese Zero fighter closed in, but she and her student ran for cover, escaping the barrage.

This firsthand experience with the war shaped Fort’s resolve to contribute more directly to the war effort.

When the Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS), the precursor to the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), was established, Cornelia Fort was among the first to join. Stationed with the 6th Ferrying Group in Long Beach, California, she ferried military aircraft across the United States to support the war effort.

Fort became the first female pilot in the WAFS to lose her life in service. On March 21, 1943, while flying a Vultee BT-13 Valiant in Texas, her aircraft collided mid-air with another plane. The collision took the life of a woman who had already faced war head-on and emerged as a beacon of courage and determination.

The Chico Air Museum exhibit dedicated to Cornelia Fort seeks to preserve and share her remarkable story. The centerpiece is a restored Vultee BT-13 Valiant, the same type of aircraft Fort was flying during her fatal flight. While the plane’s connection to Fort is unverified, it serves as a poignant tribute to her legacy.

The exhibit also features personal items and memorabilia that bring Fort’s story to life:

• A female pilot’s jumpsuit, goggles, headset, and leather cap.
• A replica of Fort’s 1942 pilot license from the Ferrying Division of the Air Transport Command.
• A copy of Daughter of the Air, a biography by Rob Simbeck detailing Fort’s life and accomplishments.

These artifacts not only honor Fort’s aviation career but also highlight her role in paving the way for women in aviation during World War II.

Cornelia Fort’s story resonates beyond the aviation community. She stands as an icon of bravery, determination, and resilience. From her heroic actions during the Pearl Harbor attack to her groundbreaking service with the WAFS, her legacy is a testament to the courage of women who defied societal norms and contributed significantly to history.

The Chico Air Museum’s dedication ensures that Fort’s contributions are celebrated and remembered by future generations. Her story underscores the importance of recognizing the often-overlooked roles women played during the war and their influence on the advancement of aviation.

The exhibit at the Chico Air Museum serves as more than a historical tribute; it is a source of inspiration. It reminds visitors of the bravery and sacrifices made by individuals like Cornelia Fort during times of great uncertainty.

By sharing her story, the museum invites us to reflect on the pivotal roles women have played in shaping history. Fort’s legacy is not just one of heroism but also of progress, as she helped pave the way for greater inclusion and recognition of women in fields traditionally dominated by men.

Cornelia Fort’s extraordinary life and legacy are beautifully preserved through the dedication of a Vultee BT-13 Valiant and the accompanying exhibit at the Chico Air Museum. Her contributions to aviation, her bravery during the Pearl Harbor attack, and her service in the Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron highlight her as a true pioneer.

Through this exhibit, her story continues to inspire, ensuring that her courage and determination are never forgotten. Fort’s life serves as a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, individuals can rise above and make lasting impacts on history.