Deactivation
From the outset of the WASP program, the women believed they would become official members of the military. There were early attempts to militarize the WASP under the umbrella of the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps, but Jackie Cochran refused. She claimed pilots could be challenging to command and needed to be part of the US Army Air Forces, setting herself as the front-runner for leadership. Militarization of the WASP, as Cochran wanted, came before Congress in June 1944. The House Civil Service Committee issued a report in opposition, deeming the program unnecessary, and recommended its termination. At the same time, the war was changing. Victory in Europe was imminent, and the demand for pilots lessened, so male flight training programs began closing. The WASP had established themselves as qualified pilots who filled a void. Nevertheless, public opinion, bolstered by veteran groups such as Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and Disabled American Veterans, believed it was unacceptable for women to be “replacing men” as the war ended. Congress concurred and declined to militarize the WASP, a decision that denied them veteran status and the associated benefits. The deactivation of the Women Airforce Service Pilots occurred on December 20, 1944, and their service records were marked classified by the war’s end.
Delayed Militarization
More than thirty years after WWII, when the US Air Force announced the “first” female military pilots, the WASP refused to stay silent and be forgotten. Once again, in a hard-fought battle before Congress, the WASP recounted their dedicated service and long overdue entitlements as veterans of WWII. Despite opposition from the same veteran groups, who believed this would diminish their status and privileges, President Carter signed Public Law 95-202 on November 23, 1977, granting WASP veteran status.
Honor at Arlington
Not until 2002 were the WASP approved for burial at Arlington National Cemetery. When Elaine Danforth Harmon, WASP Class 44-W-9, died in April 2015, her family discovered one-month prior US Army Secretary John McHugh revoked the WASP burial eligibility. McHugh cited that active-duty designees did not meet the requirements, and the cemetery had limited space. Yet again, the WASP had to advocate for another military honor, but they were not without support. A grassroots effort to overturn the decision, led by Harmon’s granddaughter Erin Miller, caught the attention of Arizona Representative Martha McSally. In January 2016, McSally introduced Public Law 114-158, which states, “the cremated remains of persons whose service has been determined to be active-duty service” are eligible for interment at Arlington. In May, the bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support and was signed into law by President Barack Obama.
Congressional Gold Medal
On July 1, 2009, President Obama authorized Public Law 111-40, awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the Women Air Force Service Pilots “In recognition of their pioneering military service and exemplary record, which forged revolutionary reform in the Armed Forces of the United States of America.” The obverse (front) of the medal depicts a WASP wearing a flying helmet and goggles. To her left are three WASP in flight uniforms and an AT-6 Texan trainer. The reverse (back) displays three aircraft, representing the many they flew: an AT-6 Texan trainer, a B-26 Marauder bomber, and a P-51 Mustang fighter. At the bottom are WASP wings. The medals on display are bronze replicas made by the United States Mint. They were presented to WASP veterans Marie Barrett Marsh and Genevieve Landman Rausch in 2010 and donated to the Museum. The Smithsonian Institution is the keeper of the original WASP gold medal.
Legacy
Though it took the nation decades to properly acknowledge and honor the Women Air Force Service Pilots, those involved in the program, including Gen Arnold, called it a success. The WASP had dispelled any doubt, proved they were skillful Airmen, and established themselves as the first female military pilots in service to their country.
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