Life through a cardboard tube

obitoftheday:

Obit of the Day: Pilot, Reporter, Karate Master

In 1944, eighteen-year-old Patricia Wilson did her part for the war effort. Her part was to fly a plan for the Civil Air Defense in Philadelphia. Only 18, not only would she fly patrols around the city but also, in an act of incredible bravery or insanity, would drag target banners across the sky for antiaircraft gunners to practice.

That about sums up the time of person Ms. Wilson was. Joining the staff of the Philadelphia Inquirer after the war, she waited patiently as she moved from position to position, starting as a copy girl and eventually writing articles for the entertainment section.

When she turned 40, to go along with her flight experience and journalism career, she wanted a new challenge. So she began karate training. She became a black belt.

The best story from Ms. Wilson’s obituary, though, is this one:

[Wilson] was with some people late at night in Japan [where she was studying the martial arts] when a Japanese man told her in a rage that his brother had been killed in the war.

“Pat said she replied, ‘And my brother was killed at Pearl Harbor. We both have much to forget.’ At this the man broke down and wept, they hugged each other and the moment was saved.”

Pat had no brother…

Awesome lady.

(Image courtesy of philly.com)