Heroes passing by
Florence Shutsy-Reynolds was a member of the Women Airforce Service Pilots during World War II.
We see them every day along the street or at the mall, at church or at the market – older citizens with unknown heroic histories. Many of them have stories we should know and honor, for they served our country in World War II. But these heroes walk past us and, more often than not, we don't even know who they are or what they have done.
And they are leaving us at an alarming rate.
Sitting next to me most Sundays during Mass at Saint Raphael in Bay Village is my friend, Eleanor Michalowski, a longtime resident of Bay Village. One morning over a cup of coffee she told me of her sister, Florence Shutsy-Reynolds, known as "Shutsy" to her friends, who was one of 1,102 women to serve as pilots in the United States Army during WWII.
They were the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) and their duties included ferrying everything from small trainers and artillery spotters to B-29 super fortresses between military posts all over the United States, towing targets, instructing cadets, and many other duties too numerous to list. It was hazardous work.
Their mission was to free male pilots for combat assignments. These were brave ladies, every day facing danger, even death. Thirty-eight WASP members lost their lives while serving our country. And most of us know nothing at all about their service.
Shutsy did much to help the WASP in the accomplishment of their mission. She was a dashing figure and an inspiration to her sisters, as they were to her. It seems that the Greek goddess of war and wisdom, Athena, was smiling on them. They were aggressive, independent, and every one a leader.
Tragically, the WASP were not officially given military and veteran status until 1977. And, belatedly, they were all awarded the American Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. This is a sad bit of history indeed as we consider their patriotism, service, honor, integrity, and sacrifice.
Army Air Force Gen. Henry "Hap" Arnold said this to them on December 7, 1944: "You and your sisters have shown you can fly wingtip to wingtip with your brothers. I salute you. We of the Army Air Force are proud of you. We will never forget our debt to you."
On March 10, 2010, Florence Shutsy-Reynolds went to Washington, D.C., where she was given the Congressional Gold Medal for her valiant service with the WASP during WWII.
Shutsy began her love affair with flying when she was a child. She earned her flying license at an early age and proved herself to be a top pilot. She has always been a leader.
For many years Florence Shutsy-Reynolds has had ties with our community. Not only does her sister Eleanor live in Bay but Shutsy herself has been active at the Bay Village Library and at other local organizations and schools, promoting women in aviation. She talks about the WASP; Jacqueline Cochran, its founder; Amelia Earhart; and others who have led women into the heavens.
Shutsy is an unforgettable lady of the skies. In many ways she is like Athena. She is a remarkable person, a warrior and a hero. And she deserves our love and gratitude.
As we meet these older citizens, these courageous fighters of our biggest war, we must never forget what they have done for us. Men and women, yes; gallant men and gallant women. And we ought to love them and grant them honor.
If you meet one of these heroes today give him or her a hug and thank them.
Joe Psarto lives in Westlake.