Although these women flew military aircraft, they were considered civilians, and were not granted military benefits or burials. Fort was killed on Mawhile ferrying BT-13 trainers in Texas, making her the first American woman to die on active military duty.įort and the 37 additional WASP who gave their lives in service did not have flags draped over their caskets. By December 1944, the WASP had flown every type of military aircraft manufactured for WWII. However, although the WASP proved that women could capably fly all types of military aircraft, their inclusion in military aviation became a matter of waiting for official acceptance which would not be forthcoming for decades.Ĭornelia Fort (with a PT-19A) was a civilian instructor pilot at an airfield near Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, when the Japanese attacked on Dec. Though not trained for combat, the WASP flew a total of 60 million miles performing operational flights, towing aerial targets, transporting cargo, smoke laying and a variety of other missions. After months of military flight training, 1,102 of the original 25,000 applicants took to the skies as the United States’ first women to pilot military aircraft. In addition, women had to pass an Army Air Corps physical and cover their cost of transportation to Avenger Field in Sweetwater, Texas for basic training. Access to a pilot’s licenses varied, as women either relied on the assistance of their families or would scrape together every dime they had earned to pay for flight hours and certifications. In order to apply, a woman required a civilian pilot’s license. In 1953 she became the first woman to break the sound barrier. She later founded the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots), a group of civilian women who flew military aircraft in non-combat situations during World War II. In 1937, she won the prestigious long-distance Bendix Trophy Race, flying from Los Angeles to Cleveland in a little more than eight hours. The story of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) is one of courage, and their legacy is crucial to understanding the role of women as aviators within the United States military.Ĭochran was a celebrated woman pilot whose career spanned four decades from the 1930s to the 1960s. Seventy-five years ago, on August 5, 1943, a remarkable group of women stepped into roles that would earn them the Congressional Gold Medal. One of the highest honors given to civilians, this Congressional Gold Medal presented to the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) represents the contributions of female pilots during World War II. At only two inches in diameter, it’s easily overlooked, dwarfed by the rows of aircraft and other eye-catching memorabilia. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, glancing through the glass cases. I’ll never forget the first time I saw that little gold medal. The WASP were granted retroactive military status in 1977, and were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2010.The WASP flew a total of 60 million miles performing a variety of missions.The Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) was established during World War II, on August 5, 1943.Finding Information on Personal Participation in World War II, a brochure on some of NARA's relevant records, and how to get started.Search WWII Electronic Records in the Access to Archival Databases (AAD).World War II Draft Registration: Use the National Archives Catalog for Ohio men born between Apand February 16, 1897, whose surnames began with "Aa" and "Ab".World War II Dead Buried in American Battle Monument Commission Cemeteries, Missing in Action, or Buried or Lost at Sea.State Summary of War Casualties from World War II for Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Personnel. World War II Honor List of Dead and Missing Army and Army Air Forces Personnel.Records of Military Agencies Relating to African Americans from the Post-World War I Period to the Korean War, Reference Information Paper.Selected Finding Aids Related to NARA's World War II Holdings African Americans
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