Women Airforce Service Pilots (U.S.)
Organization
Historical Note
The Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) was a civilian pilots' organization founded in 1943 by Jacqueline Cochran. It was a merger of the Women's Flying Training Detachment (WFTD) and the Women's Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS), both started in 1942. It had no military standing.
The goal of the group was to free male pilots for combat roles. Members of WASP were trained as pilots and they tested aircraft, ferried aircraft, and trained other pilots. The WASP program was ended on December 20, 1944. While active, WASP members flew over 60 million miles; transported every type of military aircraft; towed targets for live anti-aircraft gun practice; simulated strafing missions and transported cargo.
In 1977, WASP members received recognition for their World War II service by being granted veteran status and in 2009, were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.
The goal of the group was to free male pilots for combat roles. Members of WASP were trained as pilots and they tested aircraft, ferried aircraft, and trained other pilots. The WASP program was ended on December 20, 1944. While active, WASP members flew over 60 million miles; transported every type of military aircraft; towed targets for live anti-aircraft gun practice; simulated strafing missions and transported cargo.
In 1977, WASP members received recognition for their World War II service by being granted veteran status and in 2009, were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.
Citation
https://www.army.mil/women/history/pilots.htmlFound in 1 Collection or Record:
Mary "Pat" (Hiller) Call WASP Collection
Collection
Identifier: 2020-11-15
Content Description
The Mary "Pat" (Hiller) Call WASP Collection consists of materials relating to Call’s service as a Women Airforce Service Pilot (WASP) from 1942-1944. Materials are arranged alphabetically and span from 1939-2019 (bulk 1943-1980). The collection consists of about 0.6 cubic feet of material, including military records, licenses and membership cards, flight records and logbooks, correspondence, photographs, ephemera, and clippings. Correspondence in the collection includes a...