1916–2008
Blanche Osborn Bross, born July 21, 1916, in Doland, S.D., left this world for a better one on July 22, 2008, at the age of 92. In addition to her husband of 50 years, Willis H. Bross, Blanche is survived by her son, Charles (Susan) Bross of Renton, Wash.; stepson, David (Judy) Bross of Long Beach, Wash.; and stepdaughter, Denise Bross of Redding, Calif. She also leaves numerous nieces and nephews.
In 1943, Blanche heeded the call to duty by joining the Women’s Air Force Service Pilots, WASP. More than 25,000 women applied for the prestigious WASP program but only a select 1074 graduated. WASP’s like Blanche spent countless hours training to assume piloting jobs, delivering planes from factories to their domestic bases, towing targets for gunnery practice, and training cadet pilots. Sent to Ohio to learn to fly four-engine aircraft, she learned to pilot the legendary B-17 “Flying Fortress”. Stationed at Fort Myers, Fla., she took gunners up in the air where they fired at targets towed by a B-25.
After spending close to a year at Fort Myers, Blanche and three other WASP’s were transferred to the Las Vegas gunnery school where they were used in the engineering squadron to test repaired aircraft. The program generated significant publicity during the war and Blanche was featured in a famous picture of female pilots walking away from the “Pistol Packin’ Mama”, a B-17 bomber. The photograph has since been used in advertisements for clothing lines, fashion magazines, historical chronicles and a copy hangs in the Smithsonian Museum.
After the WASP’s, Blanche joined the American Red Cross and was sent to Kunming, China. Following her tour in China, Blanche returned to the U.S. to begin a family. In 1957 she married Willis H. Bross with whom she had a son, Charles. Together they moved to Portland where they developed a seaplane flying base. Later, Blanche received a commercial pilot’s license and flew construction crews to work sites. She also spent many years as an accountant and after retirement was an avid golfer.
At Blanche’s request, no service will be held.
In lieu of flowers, any memorials be made to a favorite charity.
In 1982, as young Royal Air Force airman, I bought the famous WASP photograph at the Air Space Museum, Washington (my first time to the States). All the time through my training and subsequent postings around the world, the photograph went with me and has hung on many walls. The picture inspired so many of my colleagues, both flyers and ground guys, and many an evening was spent wondering who those four wonderful women were. Today I found out, and wish all their families much warmth and respect. In today's troubled climate this picture, even more so, remains an inspiration. kind regards,
ReplyDeleteMichael J beresford
Wing Commader
Royal Air Force
I wish the best to you great grandmother, as you are now were you are where in the makings of history, and know that your name will not go unforgotten.
ReplyDeleteWith much love your great granddaughter,
Kaija
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ReplyDeletedear great grandama i love u
ReplyDeleteI type my name is Massimo Rome Italy, I'm reading the story of Blanche Osborn, see photos and the history of the aircraft B 17, I'm sorry she's dead, I see a pretty picture when young, greetings. I am grateful to the Americans who have the freedom dat:) W USA
ReplyDeleteI recently purchased a 16x20 poster made from the famous photograph of the four female pilots walking away from the B-17 bomber named, "Pistol Packing Mama." After considerable research I finally have the names of these courageous women. Now I can proudly identify each one by name on the poster so that everyone who sees it will know who these pioneering women were.
ReplyDeleteMom of a USAF pilot.
Imm a seventh grader doing a report on her and she is really inspiring
ReplyDeletelol
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