From 1942 to 1944, the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), an organization of civilian volunteers, became the first American women to fly military aircraft. Despite their dedicated service, it would be more than three decades until the United States recognized the WASP as members of the military and honor them as Veterans.
“Man-sized flying jobs are ahead for these girl pilots.” - USAAF to the Associated Press, 1943
The WASP encountered many biases as they set forth to fill in for the shortage of male pilots on the homefront during World War II. Many members of the military and even their families questioned whether women should participate and, ultimately, if they could succeed in the non-traditional role.
Click on the following links to learn more about women pilots during WWII.
Women in the Pilot's Seat
Flying the Army Way
War Effort
Disbandment & Overdue Recognition
WASP Duty Bases
Click here to return to the WWII Gallery