Mock, Jerrie (1925–)
Mock, Jerrie (1925–)
American aviator. Name variations: Mrs. Russell C. Mock. Born Geraldine Lois Fredritz, Nov 22, 1925, in Newark, Ohio; dau. of Timothy J. Fredritz and Blanche (Wright) Fredritz; attended Ohio State University, majoring in aeronautical engineering, 1943–45; m. Russell C. Mock, Mar 21, 1945; children: Roger, Gary, and Valerie.
Began flying lessons (1957) and received pilot's license (1958); became 1st woman to fly solo around the world (April 17, 1964), in 29 days, 11 hours, and 59 minutes (including 21 stopovers), during which she flew 22,858.8 miles in a Cessna 180; in course of this flight, also became the 1st to fly alone across Pacific Ocean from west to east, the 1st to fly a single-engine plane across the Pacific in either direction, and the 1st woman to fly solo from coast to coast by going around the world; appointed to post of vice-chair of FAA's Women's Aviation Advisory Committee; having set a total of 21 world records in aviation, retired from flying (Nov 1969) to become a missionary in New Guinea. Received FAA's Gold Medal Award from President Lyndon B. Johnson (1964).