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Women in History
WOMEN AIRFORCE SERVICE PILOTS, WWII
By Giacinta Bradley Koontz
WASP Nancy Batson, Gwen Cowart, Shirley Haugan; Newcastle Army Air Base, DE. Photo: American Airpower Museum at Republic
March is National Women in History month offering us the opportunity to tip our hats to women in aviation, both past and present. Today men and women work together as mechanics, tug drivers, administrative assistants, and in the cockpit of commercial and military aircraft. The first licensed female pilot in America was Harriet Quimby, in 1911. She and a handful of other women flew the same monoplanes and biplanes as famous male fliers like Louis Bleriot and the Wright Brothers. Although their numbers were few, women fliers did not experience blatant discrimination on the airfield until the U.S. entered WWI. The U.S. refused to accept females for military service, setting a precedent which lasted until the 1970s. Determined to contribute to the strength of our military during WWII, a group of women pilots were formed by experienced aviatrix, Jacqueline Cochran, under the military command of General “Hap” Arnold. Between 1942 and 1944 over 1,000 Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) graduated from basic and advanced training to relieve male cadets for active duty.
Anne Noggle [1922-2005] Photo: Dale Anne Pease
Although they completed the same training, WASP were expected to pay for their own uniforms, room and board, transportation between bases, and medical attention. Flying fighters, bombers and trainers, the WASP ferried aircraft from the production line to military bases, taught formation flying and towed targets for the training of anti-aircraft practice. Thirty eight WASP were killed in training or on active duty. No compensation was given for transportation home and burial. When WWII ended the WASP were disbanded, without military status.
Beverly Dietrich Wilkinson and Nell S.J. Bright at a recent WASP reunion. Photo: The Red Rockettes Sedona Chapter of the Ninety-Nines, AZ.
In 1977 Congress passed legislation for veteran status of the WASP. On March 10, 2010, the Congressional Gold Medal will be given to the WASP in a ceremony at the Capitol Rotunda. Now in their 80s and 90s, these women are fewer in numbers but high in life-time accomplishments, energy and spirit. I am personally proud to have enjoyed the company of Iris, Barbara, “BJ”, Nell, Beverly, Anne, Betty and many other WASP. By example, WASP inspired other women to become a pilot for fun or as a profession. Read more about the WASP: www.wingsacrossamerica.us/WASP/books.htm
