Mardo Crane earned her pilot license in 1933. When the war broke out, she joined as a test pilot for WAFS/WASP (Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Service/Service Pilots). After the war was over, she enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, retiring from the military as a 1st Lieutenant.

Mardo first joined the 99s in 1945. She led our Los Angeles Chapter in Air Marking at LA Municipal airport and served as Chairman of our chapter in 1948. She also established our Chapter Newsletter “Mardo’s Fly Paper – you’re stuck with it!”

In 1947, she founded the All-Women’s Transcontinental Air Race (AWTAR), also known as the Powder Puff Derby. She served as Chairman of the AWTAR Committee for five years, until 1952 and flew in four of the derbies.

She earned a bachelors degree in Physical Education and Psychology from UCLA, and a masters degree from Columbia. She wrote articles and worked as Women’s Editor for Aviation News Beacon for five years, Publicity Director for the NSA, and Editor for The 99s News magazine for four years. She also wrote several books including “Women with Silver Wings” (history of WAFS/WASP), “Fly-Down of the WASP” and “Ladies! Rev Up Your Engines” about the Powder Puff Derby.

She also advocated to save both the Oxnard-Camarillo airport and San Luis Obispo Airports from closing.

In April 1979, Mardo was the third recipient to be honored with the Barnstormers Trophy for her contributions in aviation/aerospace with little recognition.

Barnstormers Award Article – 99s News