102-Year-Old WWII Veteran Skydives To Celebrate Her Birthday

COLUMBIA, MD — World War II veteran Millie Bailey wanted only one thing for her 102nd birthday this week. To jump out of an airplane.

The first lieutenant had wanted to try it for a decade, but finally worked up the nerve to take the plunge — literally. With the help of a tandem skydive instructor from SkyDive Baltimore, she jumped from a plane soaring over Columbia.

Bailey was born in Washington, D.C., in 1918 and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She joined the U.S. Women’s Army Auxiliary in 1942, then served as second in command of the Women’s Colored Detachment in Fort McClellan, Alabama. Thereafter, she received a letter of commendation recognizing her "stellar professional performance" and her “excellent character, spirit and disposition.”

From 1944-1946, Bailey, then known as Lt. Corbett, served as the unit commander of the Women’s Colored Detachment #2 at Fort Benning, Georgia. During that time, she was selected and attended the Adjutant General School, Officers’ Administration Course. She was one of only two African American women in that class and graduated with a superior rating.

It was the only time she served in a non-segregated environment during her time in service. She was honorably discharged from the Women’s Army Corps in January 1946.

Bailey and her husband, William, moved to Howard County in 1970. After working in public service for decades, she retired in 1975 and since then has dedicated her free time to raising money for county schoolchildren and other causes near and dear to her heart.

As a member of American Legion Post 156, she personally prepares gift packages for actively deployed soldiers. Prior to the pandemic, she could be found at Running Brook Elementary School, volunteering her time to lend a helping hand and raising money. She also was recognized by the Community Action Council of Howard County with the 2018 Rev. John W. Holland Humanitarian Award for her lifelong commitment to serving others.

After feeling the wind rushing past her while jumping tandem out of airplane, Bailey celebrated the naming of the Vivian C. "Millie" Bailey Neighborhood Square in downtown Columbia at Lake Kittamaqundi in her honor.

“Naming the park for me is indeed a high honor and I would never have dreamed of receiving such incredible recognition,” Bailey said.

The land for the park was transferred from the Howard Hughes Corporation to the county. The park features a playground for kids and water fountains. The 26,000-square-foot and multi-use park also will serve as home for the Howard County Veterans Monument.

“Ms. Millie has a spirit that defines the greatest generation of America,” Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said. “Since she settled in Howard County in 1970, she has become a well-respected community leader and jumped at the opportunity to give back. It is my hope that as our community enjoys this new park for many many years to come, we will always remember the spirit of service and courage of Ms. Millie.”

To view video of her jump, click here.