Colorado Springs WWII pilot dies at 96, honored for career and legacy

Millicent Young, a decorated veteran and one of the first female pilots to serve in the U.S. military during World War II, died peacefully in her Colorado Springs home Saturday night.

Family and loved ones gathered at Evergreen Cemetery Tuesday to honor Young’s life and legacy.

According to family, Young worked as a “WASP” or a Women Air Force Service Pilot. Their role was to assist in state-side chores.

“When she got the Congressional Gold Medal, that was one of the proudest moments of her life,” said Young’s grandson, Matt.

Young won awards despite it being a difficult time for career-driven women.

“She taught women how to not take no as an answer, to make sure we knew we were not less than,” said Michelle Ryan, a dear friend of the family.

Young’s pilot career began early in her life when she was inspired by the first sight of a real-life airplane.

“She was just mesmerized by the plane… it was at 6 years of age that she decided she was going to be a pilot,” said Bill Young, Millie’s son. “She took on tasks as they came her way, she was courageous, strong, ambitious, and she cared about people like no other.”

Of about 1,000 female pilots chosen to work during the war, fewer than 30 are believed to still be alive today, according to Young.