Olive Ann Beech established an aviation business with her husband, Walter, in 1932. During the Depression, this dynamic duo created an airplane empire which would aid the American cause during World War II. She oversaw the business in 1940 due to her husband’s severe illness. Her tenacious behavior and business skills helped her manage the development of more than 7,200 aircraft throughout the war.

June Harrison and Olive Ann Beech pose by a Travel Air biplane