The Inspiring True Story of the Women Airforce Service Pilots of World War II

The Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) were a group of over 1,000 women who flew non-combat missions for the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. These brave women faced many challenges, but they ultimately helped to pave the way for women in aviation.

The Women with Silver Wings: The Inspiring True Story of the Women Airforce Service Pilots of World War II

by Katherine Sharp Landdeck

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	31051 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	450 pages

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The Formation of the WASP

The WASP was formed in 1942, at a time when the United States was facing a shortage of pilots. The Army Air Forces needed more pilots to fly non-combat missions, such as ferrying aircraft, towing targets, and testing equipment. However, women were not allowed to fly combat missions at the time.

Jacqueline Cochran, a famous aviatrix, convinced the Army Air Forces to create a program to train women pilots. The WASP was established on August 5, 1942, and Cochran was appointed as its director.

The WASP Training Program

The WASP training program was rigorous and demanding. The women had to pass the same physical and mental tests as male pilots. They also had to learn how to fly a variety of aircraft, including fighters, bombers, and transports.

The WASP training program was located at Avenger Field in Sweetwater, Texas. The women lived in barracks and trained for 12 hours a day, seven days a week.

The WASP Missions

The WASP flew a variety of non-combat missions for the Army Air Forces. They ferried aircraft from factories to air bases, towed targets for anti-aircraft gunners, and tested new equipment.

The WASP also flew some combat missions, such as flying supplies to troops on the front lines. However, they were not allowed to fly over enemy territory.

The WASP Legacy

The WASP disbanded in December 1944, after the war ended. However, the legacy of these brave women lives on. The WASP helped to pave the way for women in aviation, and they continue to inspire women to pursue their dreams.

In 1977, the WASP were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for their service during World War II. In 2009, the WASP were inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame.

The Women Airforce Service Pilots were a group of brave and determined women who made a significant contribution to the Allied victory in World War II. They faced many challenges, but they ultimately helped to pave the way for women in aviation. The WASP are an inspiration to all women who dream of pursuing a career in aviation.

Source: The Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP)

The Women with Silver Wings: The Inspiring True Story of the Women Airforce Service Pilots of World War II

by Katherine Sharp Landdeck

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	31051 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	450 pages

FREE