WASHINGTON (March 10, 2010)--More than 1,000 women based at Avenger Field in Sweetwater flew aircraft during World War II.

They were known as Women Airforce Service Pilots, or WASP and their primary mission was to fly noncombat missions in the United States.

Thirty-eight of them were killed in service, but they were long considered civilians, not members of the military, until 1977 when they were afforded veterans’ status.

On Wednesday on Capitol Hill, they were awarded Congressional Gold Medals in recognition of their service.

The medal is the highest award Congress gives to honor civilians for achievements and contributions to society.

About 300 of the women are still living and about 200 were expected to attend the ceremony Wednesday.

In July 2009, President Barack Obama signed a bill authored by Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, to award the medals to the women, 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.

“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 2009.

“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,”

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.