Legendary aviation pioneer who earned the U.S. Distinguished Flying Cross for becoming the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean. She also helped to form a group of female pilots known as The Ninety-Nines.
She grew up as a tomboy, frequently playing on trees and hunting animals such as rats. In her early 20s, she delivered medication and meals to wounded World War I Soldiers at Spadina Military Hospital.
In 1935, She joined Purdue's aviation department. She was close friends with Eleanor Roosevelt during the 1930s.
She turned down six proposals before accepting George P. Putnam's hand in marriage. They married on February 7, 1931.
Hilary Swank portrayed her in the 2009 film Amelia.
