Gone West – Maxine Flournoy, WASP

Corpus Christi, TX (April 13, 2023) - The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) and Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) communities are mourning the loss of Maxine Edmondson Flournoy (WASP Class Class: 43-W-8) who went west on April 5, 2023.

In 1941 Maxine obtained her pilot's license through the Civil Pilots Training program. She joined the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) in 1943 and trained at Avenger Field in Sweetwater, Texas. After pilot training, she was assigned to the navigation school at Hondo Army Airfield -Navigation School. When the WASP program was deactivated, she became a company pilot in Alice, Texas, where she met her husband, Lucien Flournoy.

Maxine was active in many organizations, including The Texas Historical Commission, the USO South Texas in Ingleside and NAS Corpus Christi, and the WASP Association. Maxine and her husband were instrumental in forming and generously supporting the Third Coast Squadron of the Commemorative Air Force. In 2004, the Unit was named the Maxine Flournoy Third Coast Squadron in her honor. In March 2010, she was awarded a Congressional Gold Medal to recognize her role as a WASP in the military.

To learn more about Maxine’s life, view her profile with CAF RISE ABOVE or check out this video.

Click here to learn more about the CAF Maxine Flournoy Third Coast Squadron.

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