Airplanes can't tell the difference between a man and a woman: The WASP's of WW2

To say that our world was hardly prepared for the horrors of World War 2 is an understatement. The atrocities committed on such a grand scale were unfathomable, and the technology we wielded was new and unprecedented. Also, women began to serve their country in ways they never had before.

In 1942, a new "experimental" branch of Army Air Corps was created solely for the recruitment and training of women as pilots. The hope was that these women could handle the flying needed at home while the men went overseas to fight. 1,074 women made it through the program after 25,000 applied, and became WASPs -- Women AirForce Service Pilots after paying their way into training. The WASPs would fly trainers, fighters and bombers to and from factories and air bases while fulfilling transport needs. They would ensure that the aircraft built by yesterday's “Rosies” were ready for battle and their men overseas.

"This is not a time when women should be patient. We are in a war and we need to fight it with all our ability and ever weapon possible. Women Pilots, in this particular case, are a weapon waiting to be used." -- Eleanor Roosevelt

WASP Silver Wings

These women, under the supervision of those who believed in them, flew the same kind of training that men did. They flew for hours, some times in planes that were not in good condition, and in less that 2 years managed to rack up 60 MILLION miles on every type of aircraft imaginable. Women flew every type of mission that men did except for combat missions. They were also used to demonstrate the safety of both the B-26 and the B-29 to male pilots. They were promised by those in higher places that their place in history would NEVER be forgotten. 38 of those women died for their country.

That promise was broken. After all they did, the WASPs were disbanded unceremoniously on December 20th, 1944. They did not get thanks, they did not get benefits, and their records were sealed. As far as the military and the government was concerned, they did not exist.They were even denied veterans' status, and collections had to be taken up for burial -- and they were not given folded flags or gold stars. Historians didn't know about them due to the secrecy, so they were ignored by the books. And (what I think is the worst) they were told to keep quiet. Women were homemakers. After all women did in World War II, it would still be an uphill battle for real equality.

It wasn't until 1977 that President Carter finally signed legislation that gave the WASPs full military status for their service and acknowledged what they did for their country. It wasn't until 1984 that they were awarded the World War II Victory Medal. And it wasn't until 2009 (!?!) that President Obama granted these women the Congressional Gold Medal.

My hat is off to these women; brains, guts, patience, and beauty. What wonderful role models these women are!

Jacqueline Cochran - Founder of Women's Flying Training