Our walk today was dedicated in honor of:
Army PFC Emma Jane Burrows Windham, Age 23 of San Antonio, TX.
Died Mar. 31, 1945
A TRUE AMERICAN HERO !
An exceptional woman who gave her life for our freedom. In the early forties, Windy studied aeronautical engineering at the University of California, and was the director of flight training for the “New Mexico Wing of Women Flyers”. She then decided to serve her beloved country and join the Women’s Army Corps (WAC). Initially stationed in Montana, Windy remarkably fulfilled her duties with the 7th Ferrying Group, earned her wings, and became the first WAC crew chief and flight engineer. She then went overseas and was assigned to the Air Inspector’s Office in England. Confused by a woman wearing silver wings, Military Policemen often stopped her on the streets to check if she had the right to wear these air crew wings. The life of this American hero sadly ended on March 31, 1945, in England. On that fateful day, Windy was on a training mission over England, when her B-17 bomber collided with a C-47 aircraft. She died in the crash at the age of 23. Initially buried in Cambridge, England, Windy is now resting in peace at San Fernando Cemetery III, in San Antonio, Texas.
We had a great 5.57 Mile walk this morning. We walked on Sparta Drive and made a stop at the Disabled American Veterans office and then we headed towards town. We made a stop at the War Memorial Park and read off some names on the wall. We then made a stop at the Dunkin to get hydrated before heading back home. I want to thank everyone who honked, waved, and saluted. We had an amazing 144 honks this morning. Thank you
Army PFC Emma Jane Burrows Windham will not be forgotten !
