There is a saying that behind every successful man is a successful woman. This is the case of Anne Morrow Lindbergh. When she was 14 years old she wrote in the school paper, "I want to marry a hero". Nine years later, at the age of 23, her dreams came true; she married the well renowned Charles Lindbergh. After marrying Charles, she became very interested in flying and became a partner with him in his aviation endeavors. In August of 1929, she became the first woman in the United States to earn her glider pilot's license . A short time later, she received her engine powered license and her radio operator's license. With this background, she became a skilled airplane navigator and radio operator. She made many great contributions to her husband's famous flights by acting as copilot and radio operator. Recognition for these works came when she was the first woman to be awarded the National Geographic Society's Hubbard Gold Medal for distinction in exploration, research, and discovery.
The Lindbergh's also worked to advance world-wide aviation. They planned and flew potential air routes for fledgling airlines. On one journey, Charles and Anne charted the first Great Circle route from New York to China. Anne used this information for two books that she wrote, North to the Orient and Listen! The Wind. The Lindberghs moved to England for a time which gave Anne an opportunity to focus on her writing. During this period, she became an avid writer and authored more than one book. One of these books was Wave of the Future: A Confession of Faith. She wrote this during the Second World War and it suggested reform at home rather than war abroad. Anne Lindbergh was not only a steadfast supporter and help to her husband; she was his partner. Anne also made a name for herself in the worlds of aviation and literature and she should be remembered not for her husband's name, but for the accomplishments she made that helped further aviation.