FARIBAULT, MINN. – The lady who graced Minnesota aviation for decades at fly-ins and special events, has died at the age of 96. Elizabeth “Liz” Wall Strohfus of Faribault, Minnesota, who served her country as a Women Airforce Service Pilot (WASP) during World War II, passed away March 6, 2016. She was born in Faribault, Minn. on November 19, 1919.
In recognition of her service, Strohfus, and other WASP veterans, were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor in 2010 at special ceremonies in Washington, D.C. Strohfus was also inducted into the Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame in 2000, and is featured in an exhibit at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior, Wisconsin (www.bvhcenter.org).
Strohfus flew the Martin B-26 Marauder, P-39 Airacobra and T-6 Texan to train male combat pilots. She also served as a co-pilot on the B-17 Flying Fortress.
For additional information on this wonderful lady and her many contributions to aviation, refer to the Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame website at www.mnaviationhalloffame.org.