Amelia Mary Earhart (; July 24, 1897 – disappeared July 2, 1937) was an American
aviation pioneer and author. Earhart was the first female
aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. She received the U.S.
Distinguished Flying Cross for this record. She set many other records, wrote best-selling books about her flying experiences and was instrumental in the formation of
The Ninety-Nines, an organization for female pilots. Earhart joined the faculty of the
Purdue University aviation department in 1935 as a visiting faculty member to counsel women on careers and help inspire others with her love for aviation. She was also a member of the
National Woman's Party, and an early supporter of the
Equal Rights Amendment.