2RHPZ
05-29-2005, 04:56 AM
The WASPs
By Bruce D. Callander
April 2001
They flew military airplanes in the 1940s, but many years went by before they were recognized as veterans.
http://www.afa.org/magazine/april2001/0401wasp1.jpg
In October 1943, the Army Air Forces checked out several women ferry pilots in the B-26 bomber. Women also flew P-38 fighters and the B-29 bomber, both of which had bad reputations when they were introduced, so bad that some male pilots balked at flying them.
As members of the unit known as the Women Airforce Service Pilots--the WASPs--they worked as test pilots, towed targets for gunners, pulled weather reconnaissance missions, flew student navigators and bombardiers, and instructed male pilots.
http://www.afa.org/magazine/april2001/0401wasp4.jpg
Although women pilots in World War II carried out numerous flying duties for the military, they were not given full military status. It was not until 1977 that they were declared veterans. (US Air Force photo)
In all, more than 1,000 women flew for the AAF during the war, and 38 were killed, 11 in training and 27 in line of duty. They served in civilian status, wore made-over men's uniforms, and when there were enough males to fill the flying jobs, were sent home with little more than an official thank you. It would take Congress more than 30 years to recognize their contributions.
The program traces its origins to two women who could not have been more different in background and temperament.
http://www.afa.org/images/mag_logo.jpg (http://www.afa.org/magazine/april2001/0401wasps.asp)
By Bruce D. Callander
April 2001
They flew military airplanes in the 1940s, but many years went by before they were recognized as veterans.
http://www.afa.org/magazine/april2001/0401wasp1.jpg
In October 1943, the Army Air Forces checked out several women ferry pilots in the B-26 bomber. Women also flew P-38 fighters and the B-29 bomber, both of which had bad reputations when they were introduced, so bad that some male pilots balked at flying them.
As members of the unit known as the Women Airforce Service Pilots--the WASPs--they worked as test pilots, towed targets for gunners, pulled weather reconnaissance missions, flew student navigators and bombardiers, and instructed male pilots.
http://www.afa.org/magazine/april2001/0401wasp4.jpg
Although women pilots in World War II carried out numerous flying duties for the military, they were not given full military status. It was not until 1977 that they were declared veterans. (US Air Force photo)
In all, more than 1,000 women flew for the AAF during the war, and 38 were killed, 11 in training and 27 in line of duty. They served in civilian status, wore made-over men's uniforms, and when there were enough males to fill the flying jobs, were sent home with little more than an official thank you. It would take Congress more than 30 years to recognize their contributions.
The program traces its origins to two women who could not have been more different in background and temperament.
http://www.afa.org/images/mag_logo.jpg (http://www.afa.org/magazine/april2001/0401wasps.asp)