Originally a medical student, Reitsch left school in order to take up aviation, and held the world gliding record for women. She was invited to fly many of Germany's lastest and increasingly desperate designs, and came to earn the respect and affection of Hitler. She was one of only two women awarded the Iron Cross First Class during WWII.She continued to break records including the women's altitude record (6848 meters) and became German Champion in 1955.