Mary Coon Walters joined the Women’s Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) in 1943. She was stationed at Newcastle Air Base in Wilmington, Delaware. Walters was assigned to several flights across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. When interviewed later in life, she said that “any woman who volunteered for service in World War II would gladly have gone to combat.” Following her stint with the WASPs, Walters served as a 1st Lieutenant in the Air Force Reserves. In 1951, she returned to active duty during the Korean War and served as a personnel and recruited officer. Walters left the Air Force in 1955 in order to become a mother.
Mary Coon was born in Baraga, Michigan on January 29, 1922 to Marvin L and Nancy Conway Coon. In 1952, she married Asa Lane Walters and had one child, Mark.3 At the age of 40, Walters graduated from the University of New Mexico’s Law School. She was admitted to the New Mexico State Bar the same year (1962) and worked as a law clerk for Supreme Court Justice David W. Carmody. During her successful law career, Walter served both as a district judge and appeals court judge. In 1984, she became the first woman to sit on the New Mexico Supreme Court. The New Mexico Women’s Hall of Fame included her as one of the first five inductees in 1986.
*The preceding content is not intended as a comprehensive biography, but it highlights their significance as a result of military or civilian distinction, lasting achievements, or association with impactful national events. This content was developed by Santa Fe Community College through a Veterans Legacy Program grant.*


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