Her achievements earned her the respect of the highest levels of the Nazi regime. She was awarded the Iron Cross (First and Second Class), becoming the only woman to receive the First Class distinction during World War II. "Hitler’s Heroine"

Reitsch’s obsession with flight began early. She famously broke glider endurance records and became the first woman to be awarded the title of flight captain. Her skill was undeniable; she was the first woman to fly a helicopter and served as the first female Luftwaffe test pilot.

For those interested in the full account of her life, Sophie Jackson's book is available at retailers like Amazon and Waterstones .

Hitler's Heroine: The Audacious and Devastating Life of Hanna Reitsch

While many of her contemporaries, such as rocket scientist Wernher von Braun , "reshaped" their images to fit the post-war world through programs like Operation Paperclip , Reitsch refused to distance herself from her past.

Reitsch wasn't just a pilot; she was an ardent supporter of the Nazi cause. She famously volunteered for a Nazi "kamikaze" squadron and tested the dangerous V-1 flying bombs.

: She continued to fly and win competitions after the war, but she remained a pariah to many due to her unrepentant Nazism.