WASHINGTON (July 1, 2009)--President Barack Obama Wednesday signed a bill authored by Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, to award Congressional Gold Medals to honor the more than 1,000 women who earned their wings in Texas during World War II as Women Airforce Service Pilots.

About 300 of the 1,102 women are still living, including Deanie Parrish of Waco, whose daughter Nancy Parrish made it her mission for more than a decade to earn recognition for the unheralded pilots, who were the first women ever to fly American military aircraft.

“It was both an honor and a privilege to serve this country during some of the darkest days of World War II,” Deanie Parish said in March.

“I think it's important for young people today to realize that WASP flew missions that were dangerous, but in order for our country to be free, that's what it took, and we did it without any thought of recognition or glory.

However, I believe I speak for every WASP when I say 'we are humbled by Senator Hutchison and her peers' desire to honor our service with the Congressional Gold Medal,”

Thirty-eight of the women died in the line of duty and their families had to pay to return their bodies home and to bury them.

The women weren’t granted veterans status until 1977.

The women’s primary mission was flying non-combat missions in the U.S., and they flew just about every type of aircraft operated by the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II.

"The Women Airforce Service Pilots courageously answered their country's call in a time of need while blazing a trail for the brave women who have given and continue to give so much in service to this nation since," Mr. Obama said.

"Every American should be grateful for their service, and I am honored to sign this bill to finally give them some of the hard-earned recognition they deserve."

The late Grace Jones of Salado, who died in February 2008 at the age of 87, was also a WASP.

She flew planes from the U.S. to Europe for use in the war effort.