WASHINGTON -- The first women to fly U.S. military planes were awarded a Congressional Gold Medal on Capitol Hill.

More than 1,000 women flew aircraft during World War II. They were known as Women Airforce Service Pilots, WASP, or the original Fly Girls. Their primary mission was to fly noncombat missions in the United States.

The Fly Girls trained in El Paso.

Thirty-eight of them were killed in service. But they were long considered civilians, not members of the military, until 1977 when they were afforded veteran status.

It's estimated that about 300 of the women are still alive. About 200 are attended the ceremony Wednesday.

The medal is the highest award Congress gives to honor civilians for achievements and contributions to society.