Caroline Jane Richter (nee Smith) was 14 years old when the United States entered World War II. At the age of 17, she lied about her age to join the war effort. She was accepted into the Women’s Airforce Service Pilots
(WASPs) and had completed 35 hours of flight training when the program was disbanded. She then joined the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service
(WAVES) program in February 1945 and served as a meteorologist in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Later that year, she married Naval pilot Carl F. Richter. The two attended the University of Houston on the GI bill and had their first of three daughters. Caroline graduated in three years and entered show business. She quickly became known for her stage presence and comedic timing. As a performer in Houston, she befriended many of the astronauts in the Apollo Space Program, even attending the launches of Apollo 10 and 14 as a guest of Apollo crew members.

Caroline lives in Miami, Florida. In addition to her daughters, she has one granddaughter, two great-grandchildren, and many step-children, -grandchildren, and -great-grandchildren.

This honorarium was purchased for Caroline by her granddaughter in honor of her bravery and service to our country.