Carol A. Nicholson Lewis
1923-1987
Class 44-W-7
Planes flown: PT-17, BT-13, AT-6, C-45, UC-78
Assigned bases: Moore Army Air Base (Mission, Tex.)
Carol Nicholson was born December 15, 1923 in Oakland, California to Ralph and Patricia (Kirkpatrick) Nicholson. She grew up in Seattle, Washington, and attended the Bush School, Garfield High School, and the University of Washington. She moved among the highest social circles, and was best friends with Nancy Nordhoff of the family who started The Bon Marche department store in Seattle.
Lewis and Nancy Nordhoff drove to Sweetwater, Texas in 1943 to join the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs). They were assigned to Moore Air Base (Texas), Class 44-W-7. Lewis also flew out of Kelly Field (Texas) during her time with the WASPs. She flew several planes during her service, including the North American AT-6 Texan and the Stearman (1927) PT-17 Kaydet.
Lewis married Lester Warren Lewis III on August 15, 1944 in Florida. He was born August 30, 1917 in Seattle, Washington, and served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. They had three children.
Lewis died January 17, 1987 in Palm Desert, California. Lester died in June of 1995 in Yakima, Washington.
Sources:
Texas Womans University
Archives at The Museum of Flight
