Nancy Miller Stratford, a pioneering aviator who defied the odds during World War II, recently celebrated her 106th birthday at her home in Southern California. Born in Los Angeles in 1919, her incredible career has taken her on adventures around the globe, soaring through the skies as an inspiration to many and breaking gender barriers in the field of aviation.
Stratford’s love of aviation took off at 16 years old. She got to enjoy her very first flight as an exciting birthday gift. Her early exposure to aviation sparked a love, which then turned into a lifelong dedication. That dedication led her to enlist in the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) during the war years. Unfortunately, by 1944 she was just 25 years old. Undeterred, she was all business as she climbed into the cockpit of a Spitfire fighter plane, as her incredible bravery and talent really came to light.
The ATA had proven absolutely indispensable during wartime, ferrying aircraft across the country to incoming squadrons. Stratford became part of a dedicated group known as the “Attagirls,” women who played an essential role in supporting the war effort. Her contributions included delivering a Spitfire to a Polish squadron a few days before they participated in D-Day, an experience she recalls with pride.
Looking back, Stratford said, “I was happy that I was able to serve in that way. She and her fellow women pilots fulfilled an important service in the war. Sadly, their visibility in the aviation industry plummeted thereafter. Thousands of women such as Stratford endured extreme hardships as they came back into a world that still often failed to recognize their accomplishments.
Today, in 2025, Stratford still faces challenges, but she is a symbol of change for women as aviators and leaders. Her apartment is filled with mementoes from her long career, including photographs and a much-loved leather flying helmet. Over her career, she has flown an astounding 103 different aircraft. This outstanding accomplishment is a testament to her range and dedication to aviation.
Stratford’s story doesn’t stop when she returned from service. Later, after getting married and settling down in Alaska, she and her husband started a wildly successful helicopter company. Her interest and tenacity led her to become the second female in the United States to receive a commercial helicopter license. This accomplishment cemented her legacy even more.
Her outstanding knowledge and expertise have motivated countless female pilots over the years. So I would say, don’t stop, don’t give up, don’t take no,” she encourages those pursuing careers in aviation today. This deceptively simple but profound message serves as an important reminder to stay the course through difficult times.
“Women proved that they could do things, and so the men had to let them in,” she stated, highlighting the significant strides made since her early days as a pilot.
The journey to achieve all that success has not been an easy one. After decades spent under the constant drone of aircraft, she has lost her hearing. She has confronted such challenge with ferocity and strength. Through these obstacles, the uncompromising spirit shining through Nancy Miller Stratford’s words is a testament to all that defined her incredible life.