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Opal Kunz
Opal Kunz, also known as Opal van Zandt Giberson Kunz (November 6, 1894 – May 15, 1967) was a noted early American aviator, the first president of the "Ninety-Nines", a women pilots’ organization, that was formed in her living room, and an early feminist. She was married to Dr. George Frederick Kunz.
As an aviator, Opal Kunz spent a great deal of time and money on her flying pursuits. "I learned to fly as a sportswoman in the interest of National Defense (). My planes were always called 'Betsy Ross.' My husband was Gem Expert and vice-president of Tiffany & Co. N.Y. C. Never flew for any company as my husband was able and wanted to pay my way... I have a huge scrapbook containing clippings from all the papers in the country... All the publicity was given free by the press- No publicity agents were employed. I was the first woman to race with men in open competition. It was an American Legion Air Meet in Philadelphia. I had the fastest plane and won the race..."〔Kunz, Opal. Letter to Carol Craig of the 99's. July 24, 1963. The letter describes her experiences and early days of flying.〕 In another letter, she stated: "I was the first woman to race with men in open competition at Philadelphia American Legion Benefit Air Meet, on April 7, 1930. Won first prize."〔John F. Kennedy Library, Boston, "White House Central Name File, Box 1532, Folder: KUNZ." Letter from Opal Kunz to President Kennedy, dated April 14, 1961.〕
==Betsy Ross Air Corps==
She also was an organizer of two other aviation clubs for women, the "Betsy Ross Air Corps" and the "Lady Birds." The Betsy Ross Air Corps was formed as a semi-military service to support the Army Air Corps and to act in times of emergencies, such as flood, earthquakes, etc. "The Betsy Ross Corps was formed to ferry planes, give flight instruction, compete in benefit air meets to raise funds for charities, and provide first aid. Mrs. Kunz obtained about 100 members and kept the organization going for about four years." She also indicated she placed as much money as she could spare into the service. "I spent all my resources trying to form Women’s Reserve Corp ()."〔
There appears to be very little original information or primary sources about this organization, a precursor to many of the women’s flying organizations during World War II. Most of the information found are in the comments of the early members, which often were not recorded for posterity. "...In the spring of 1931, the year before she Pancho Barnes ran for L.A. County supervisor, she heard about the Betsy Ross Corps, a national organization of female pilots intended to function as an auxiliary to the Army Air Corps, the precursor to the US Air Force. She joined immediately, donning the uniform of khaki jodhpurs and shirt, and meeting with other local women fliers at March Field. But she was disappointed with the lack of activities..."〔Kessler. Happy Bottom Flying Club. Page 100.〕
抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』
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