Geraldine Pratt May
Col. Geraldine Pratt May was the first director of the Women's Air Force and the first woman colonel in the United States Air Force.
Military career
May joined the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps in July 1942. She was promoted to staff director of WAAC’s Air Transport Command in March 1943.In 1948, May became the first director of the newly created the Women's Air Force and was promoted to the rank of colonel making her the first woman colonel in the United States Air Force.
May received the Legion of Merit for her service during World War II.