“She soared through the skies for her country. Her sister fought for her honor on the ground. 🕊️✈️
The forgotten story of Hazel and Frances Lee — two sisters, one legacy of courage”.
In 1944, the news arrived at the Lee family’s door in Portland, Oregon: Hazel Ying Lee, one of the first Chinese American women to fly for the U.S. military, had died in a plane crash.
But what followed wasn’t just grief — it was a bureaucratic battle that would test a family’s courage as fiercely as war itself.
Hazel had been part of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), ferrying military aircraft across the country. But when her plane collided midair in Texas, the U.S. government refused to cover the cost of transporting her body home. WASPs were considered civilians — not military — despite serving their country.
The family was devastated. But Hazel’s sister, Frances “Franny” Lee, refused to accept this final insult. She was just 20 years old.
She wrote letters, made phone calls, and faced down officials who told her “rules are rules.” She replied, “Then the rules are wrong.”
She raised funds, rallied their community, and personally arranged Hazel’s military-style funeral. Over 500 people came — Chinese Americans, veterans, neighbors, pilots. The casket was draped with both the U.S. and Chinese flags.
Hazel’s story didn’t end there. Frances’s fight helped bring attention to the injustice faced by the WASPs, which decades later led to official recognition, military status, and honors for these forgotten pilots.
Hazel flew through the clouds. Frances fought on the ground. Together, they changed history.
✈️ One gave her life for her country. The other gave her voice.
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