By: Sarah Byrn Rickman
ISBN: 978-1735059532
Flight to Destiny Press, 2023
Cornelia Fort’s story is the sixth such illuminating account Sarah Byrn Rickman has written spotlighting the young women who became the “Original 28” -- adventuresome young women pilots who flew for the Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron in World War II. The WAFS later renamed Women Airforce Service Pilots or WASP were civilian pilots who volunteered to ferry military aircraft, freeing male pilots to fight overseas.
The story of Cornelia Clark Fort soars. Cornelia herself soared every time she stepped into the cockpit of the aircraft she was flying that day, from takeoff to landing – including her last flight. While doing her sworn duty to the best of her ability, she gave her life for her country when it was at war fighting for democracy and the right to live free. Principles she fervently believed in.
Know that in reading her story you will experience the best of what humanity has to offer. Flying along with this fine young pilot, who died too soon, you will learn what it feels like to dance with birds, chase clouds, and fly the wild blue yonder.
About the Author
Sarah Byrn Rickman knew at 5 she wanted to write books. At 13, she read about Amelia Earhart and wanted to fly. A 20-plus year career in journalism — reporter/ columnist for The Detroit News and later editor of the twice-weekly Centerville-Bellbrook (Ohio) Times — put her on the brink of her dream of being an author. Add a master’s degree in creative writing and, Voila!— in 2001, publication of her first book — The Originals: The Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron of World War II. Sarah has since written 12 more books about the WAFS/WASP pilots of World War II.
Oh yes, that desire to fly. Sarah earned her Sport Pilot certificate in 2011, flying a sweet little 1940s-vintage taildragger Aeronca Champ—yellow with a red belly. To write well about flying meant Sarah had to hear the wind singing in the wires and see the earth from a bird’s eye view.
Sarah now writes upbeat biographies about the skilled, gutsy young women pilots who flew in World War II.
To learn more about Sarah Byrn Rickman and her work, please see sarahbyrnrickman.com
