Bibliography
Primary Sources
Arnold, Henry H. "Last W.A.S.P. Graduate Class 12-W-7." Letter. N.d. TS. National WASPs Museum.
Sweetwater, TX. This quote shows how much help General "Hap" Arnold has given to the
program and how much he appreciated women. Without the WASPs, women today would have a
even harder time flying or even performing in the military. The war opened up many
opportunities and the women showed that they could help. "The WASPs have completed their
mission. Their job has been successful. But as is usual in war, the cost has been heavy. Thirtyseven WASPs have died while helping their country move toward the moment of final victory.
The Air Forces will long remember their service and their final sacrifice.” – General Henry
“Hap” Arnold
Cheers for WWII women pilots. NBC News, 1 Jan. 2014. Web. 4 Dec. 2014.
<http://dailynightly.nbcnews.com/_news/2014/01/01/22124969-cheers-for-wwii-women-pilotshonored-at-rose-parade>. Honors the women who were WASPs during WWII. These women also
served too. They performed domestic flights so men could be released overseas for war. The
WASPs were one of the first programs for women to participate in the military.
Hailey, Lois. "WASPs Finally Getting Their Duty." Houston Chronical [Houston] 18 Mar. 2009: n. pag.
Print. an interview with former WWII WASPs Lois Hailey. Lois Hailey talks about her
graduation and the jobs the WASPs got to do after graduation. This is a primary source because
Lois Hailey, a former WASPs, performed duties for the Air Force during the 1940’s and is telling
her experiences of when she was a WASPs.
Hodgson recalls honor , courage of the WWII WASP. Times Record News Wichita Falls, Texas, 28 Mar.
2010. Web. 15 Oct. 2014. <http://www.timesrecordnews.com/news/hodgson-recalls-honorcourage-of-wwii-wasps>. Marion Stegeman Hodgson class of 43-W-5 gives exclusive details
about her experience being a WASPs. She stated that she and other were very patriotic women
just wanted to do the right thing
.
Personal interview. 3 Dec. 2014. I conducted this interview by myself on December 3rd, 2014. We talked
for hours about her experience as a WASP and World War II. Her husband was a war pilot during
the war and was involved in many air to air crashes. She and her fellow WASPs were very
patriotic and wanting to help with the war. She already had her pilots license but the Air Force
flew very different from civilian pilots. Marion Stegeman Hodgson was severely scared of getting
washed out and worked hard to stay in the program. This is a primary source because I conducted
this interview myself and got information strait from the source herself.
Stegeman Hodgson, Marion. "Preface." Preface. Winning My Wings A Women Airforce Service Pilot in
World War II. Albany, Texas: Bright Sky Press, 1996. Xi. Print. Personal letters from Marion
Hodgson during her time as a WASP. She described in her letters to her parents and her beau
about the hard tasks the WASPs and other Air Force pilots had to go through. She personally did
not like the training but after graduation she was in love. She loved flying various types of planes.
Hodgson said her most memorable moment was earning her silver wings and officially becoming
a WASPs.
Secondary Sources
"American Indian and American-Chinese Women in the WASPs." Imgur. Imgur, 29 Aug. 2013. Web. 6
Jan. 2015. <http://imgur.com/gallery/mo86Z>. The Women's Airforce Service Pilots had a mix of
women. The Air Force at the time enlisted American-Chinese and American Indian women if
they could fly. This image shows how the ethnicity changed how the women were treated in the
Air Force at that time. They were not treated any different than American women because they
were both there for the same reason.
"Anti-Aircraft Gun Sears Landing." Missiles and More Museum. Missiles and More Museum, n.d. Web. 6
Jan. 2015. <http://missilesandmoremuseum.org/exhibits/wasp/>. The WASPs were not allowed to
perform combat, so instead they flew planes carrying targets for anti-artillery practice. The targets
were not even 20 feet from the end of the plane. This image shows one of the jobs the WASPs
performed after they graduated.
"Astronaut Eileen Collins." Red Orbit. Red Orbit.com, n.d. Web. 10 Jan. 2015.
<http://www.redorbit.com/topics/eileen-collins/eileen-collins-images/>. Astronaut Eileen Collins
was the first women to pilot a space shuttle. She also was a colonel in the United States Air
Force. She was inspired by the Women's Airforce Service Pilots to follow her dreams. This
photos shows a valuable human who was inspired by pioneers in aviation.
"AT-6." Collect Nobel. Collect Noble, n.d. Web. 10 Jan. 2015.
<http://www.collectnobel.com/WWII_WASP_service_certificate_t.html>. The AT-6 or now
called the T-6 Texan, was used to train fighter pilots for war. The WASPs flight tested these
planes and flew them to air bases across the country. The WASPs worked these jobs in order to
release additional men overseas for combat.
"August 1943." JBLE. Joint Base Langley Eustis, 17 Mar. 2014. Web. 4 Jan. 2015.
<http://www.jble.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123403844>. These Ladies Helped free men for
combat duties overseas. One of their accomplishments was creating a legacy for future U.S. Air
force female Pilots. Their leadership helped advance the war effort.
"Barbara Erickson London." Long Beach History. Blogger, n.d. Web. 10 Jan. 2015.
<http://www.longbeachhistory.com/2013/07/just-learned-about-passing-of-heroine.html>.
Barbara Erickson London was a former member of the WAFS (Women's Artillery Ferrying
Squadron) and a even bigger member of the WASPs during WWII. She ferried aircrafts across
the country to help release additional men overseas for combat duty. She often spoke to younger
girls to inspire them to fly.
"Betty Blake and Two Other WASPs." Photorecon. Photorecon.net, n.d. Web. 6 Jan. 2015.
<http://photorecon.net/betty-tack-blake-wasp-class-43-1/>. Betty Blake was a Part of the first
class of WASPs, 43-w-1. They were the guinea pigs but they pulled through and their class
allowed other classes to be formed. This image is of three WASPs during WWII. It shows the
spirit and joy the WASPs had. They were able to help their country win the war by sacrificing
their lives.
Boal, Jed. "Pioneering WASP recalls 'joy.'" WWII WASP. KSL Utah, 2 Sept. 2014. Web. 12 Dec. 2014.
<http://www.ksl.com/?sid=31403181&nid=148&fm=latest_videos>. Former WASP recalls what
it was like being a WASP during WWII. She loved being a part of one of the only women group
participating in the war. These women opened up opportunities for women after WWII.
"Camp Davis WASPs." Mary Creasons Aviation. Pam Poly, n.d. Web. 2 Jan. 2015.
<http://wingsacrossamerica.us/web/obits/rawlinsom_mabel.htm>. WASPs wait for another pilot flying in.
The WASPs had to watch others fly to critic them. The WASPs often flew planes that many men did not
want to. The planes had too much power and force to shoot bullets but the women did not perform
combat so it wasn’t a problem to them.
Chen, Peter. "WASPs : Women in the WWII army Airforce." WWII Database. WWII Database, n.d.
Web. 9 Dec. 2014. <http://ww2db.com/other.php?other_id=25>. The proposals given by Nancy
Harkness Love and Jacqueline Cochran were forceful when the supply of pilots were shortened
by WWII. These two women were leaders for women. Without them the WASPs would not have
happened.
"The Civilian Pilot Training Program." National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. U.S. Air Force, n.d. Web.
6 Jan. 2015. <http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=8475>. This
program was in a college and women were let in at the 1 to every 10 men rate. This is how many
of the WASPs earned their civilians pilot license. The Civilians Pilot Training Program didn’t last
a year but many women took advantage of the program. Without the program, the WASPs would
not have been as big as it was.
"Class 43-W-3." Imgur. Imgur, 29 Aug. 2013. Web. 6 Jan. 2015. <http://imgur.com/gallery/mo86Z>.
The 3rd WASPs class, 43-W-3, was the last class held at the Houston Municipal Airport. It was
later moved to Avenger Field in Sweetwater, TX. This image gives me an idea of how big the
classes were. It clearly shows that the WASPs had to provide their own uniform and work
clothes.
"Cochran and First Lady Roosevelt." Liberty Letters. Liberty Letters Properties, n.d. Web. 6 Jan. 2015.
<http://libertyletters.com/resources/pearl-harbor/jacqueline-cochran-aviator.php>. Jacqeline
Cochran met First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt during her visit to the White House to talk about the
usage of female pilots. President Franklin Roosevelt signed and allowed women to train in the
military but not to perform combat. Cochran took what she could get started a program for less
experienced women to train in aviation.
"Cochran Convent." Bullock Museum. Bullock State History Museum, n.d. Web. 10 Jan. 2015.
<http://www.thestoryoftexas.com/explore/exhibits/fly-girls>. The WASPs marched pass a
wishing fountain on their way to class. The same wishing fountain were pilots who jump out of
an aircraft get initiated. Today the fountain could still be seen in Sweetwater, TX. The WASPs
marched everywhere just like their male trainees. They marched too dinner and to the airfield.
Congressional Gold Medal. Department of Defense, n.d. Web. 2 Dec. 2014.
<http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2010/0310_wasp/>. Provided more information about
the Congresional Medal that WASPs recieved in 2010 for their work during WWII. The WASPs
also served because without them there would still be a shortage of pilots and it would change the
outcome of WWII. The Women’s Airforce Service Pilots deserved the Congressional Gold
Medal for their leadership during WWII.
Coop, Austin. "Hear the Heroic Tales of WWII Women Pilots." Road Trippers. N.p., 23 Sept. 2014. Web.
16 Dec. 2014. <https://roadtrippers.com/blog/wasp-museum>. Real life exhibits of the training
camp that the WASPs went through. Artifacts were shown from the war era. Even planes that the
WASPs flew are on exhibit. The museum is held in the original hangar where the WASPs trained
in Sweetwater, TX.
"DAS Firing at the Beach 1942." Missiles and More Museum. Missiles and More Museum, n.d. Web. 6
Jan. 2015. <http://missilesandmoremuseum.org/exhibits/wasp/>. The WASPs performed target
practice up in the sky for the men who performed combat duty. This image shows the men
practicing shooting ground to air combat. The WASPs towed the targets so the men could
practice shooting. This was dangerous because the target is not even 20 feet away from the plane.
The WASPs often heard little pings from the back of the plane because it was being shot at. This
was one of the many duties the woman performed.
"Deanie at Avenger Field in Sweetwater, Texas." Wings Across America. Baylor, n.d. Web. 2 Jan. 2015.
<http://www.wingsacrossamerica.org/impact.html>.
"8 WASPs Pose in Front of a Plane." 20th Century Aviation Magazine. Aviation Magazine, n.d. Web. 6
Jan. 2015. <http://20thcenturyaviationmagazine.com/o-capt-nancy-aldrich/the-wasp/>. The eight
WASPs were posing for life magazine, a magazine in which women read during the 1940's. This
magazine portrayed leaders and women on the front page to advertise the jobs women performed
during WWII. Many WASPs and even Jacqueline Cochran were viewed on the front page.
"Eillen Collins." The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, n.d. Web. 10 Jan. 2015.
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eileen_Collins>. Eileen Collins Stated "I wanted to set a good
precedent for other women just as the WASPs have done." The WASPs were her inspiration to
become an astronaut and the colonel of the Air Force. She also shared her inspiration for aviation
to many other women and so on.
"Eleanor Roosevelt." National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. U.S Air Force, 3 Nov. 2014. Web. 30 Dec.
2014. <http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=1610>. Image of Eleanor
Roosevelt in the 1940's. She herself inspired many other women because her acts during WWII.
One of those acts were allowing women to participate in the military. Many groups of women
such as the WASPs, WAVES, and WACS took advantage of this act.
"F-15 Pilots Walking to Their Aircraft." The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, n.d. Web. 10 Jan. 2015.
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilot_(aeronautics)>. Without the WASPs, women pilots in the Air
Force would not be here. So many women pilots on their own have achieved so much but to form
a group that could handle the Army Air force is another. The Idea of women flying in the Air
Force would immediately be terminated. The men back then didn't think women could fly or do
anything that men have taken over. But industries during WWII were taken over by women and it
stayed that way after.
Factsheets : WASPs Breaking Ground for Today's Female ASAF Pilots. U.S. Air Force, 3 11 2014. Web.
2 Dec. 2014. <http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=1610>. I
Consumed more information about the 2 programs that merged together to form the WASPs.
General “Hap” Arnold assigned Jacqueline Cochran as commander of the WASPs after the
WAFS and the WFTD combined. They all performed the same duties but some were more
advanced.
Female WWII Pilots: The Original Fly Girls. NPR, 9 Mar. 2010. Web. 29 Oct. 2014.
<http://www.npr.org/2010/03/09/123773525/female-wwii-pilots-the-original-fly-girls>.The
original fly girls were the WASPs. These women pulled through the war in order to help their
country fight. They were featured on Life magazine and given the Congressional Gold Medal for
their work during WWII.
"Ferry Command Pilots." Flickr. Yahoo, n.d. Web. 7 Jan. 2015.
<https://www.flickr.com/photos/twe42/3408454056/>. Two ferry command pilots and a trainer
sit atop a wing of a plane. Trainers at the camp in Sweetwater, TX trained women just like they
would train the men. The women didn’t care, they strived to be treated the same as men and they
were. The WASPs graduated with the same ranks as men and went on to perform the same task
as them as well. This image shows how these women opened up many new opportunities for
women after the war.
Five WASP standing in front of a plane. N.d. Marjorie selfridge dresbach, 1943-1993. Web. 22 Oct.
2014.
<http://twudigital.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/singleitem/collection/p214coll2/id/5692/rec/13>.
Photo of five WASP standing beside a WWII aircraft. These women pose for a picture for Life
magazine in the 1940’s. The WASPs were a feature on the cover of Life magazine because they
were inspiring many woman and young girls to help with the war effort.
"Florence Lowe Barnes." Pinterest. Pinterest, n.d. Web. 10 Jan. 2015.
<http://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=WWII%20WASPs&term_meta%5B%5D=WWII%7C
typed&term_meta%5B%5D=WASPs%7Ctyped&remove_refine=WASPs%7Ctyped>. Florence
Lowe Barnes carries her gear as she gets ready for a day of flying. The WASPs had to have
multiple materials in their cockpit with them just in case the plane went down. They had to have
flares, a parachute, compass and other necessary materials before they took off.
"Follow Me." The Dallas Morning News. Dallas Morning News, n.d. Web. 10 Jan. 2015.
<http://www.dallasnews.com/entertainment/columnists/joy-tipping/20141126-just-plane-funexplore-legends-and-lore-at-north-texas-aviation-museums.ece>. Three WASPs ride on the
aircraft cart to the holding pad where the planes are kept. This is one of the most iconic picture of
the WASPs to date. The WASPs were never allowed to ride on the cart out to the air field. This
women always found some way to have fun while training.
"Four WASP in Front of B-24 Aircraft." World War II Database. Lava Development, n.d. Web. 5 Jan.
2015. <http://ww2db.com/image.php?image_id=3379>. This image shows more of what the
WWII WASPs flew. This B-24 is one of the bombers the WASPS flew. They flew every type of
aircraft there was like trainers, bombers and fighters.
Halsey, Torin. "Ex WASPs Tells How She Ended Up in Military." Times Record News of Wichita Falls.
Wichita Falls Newspaper, 20 Dec. 2009. Web. 2 Jan. 2015.
<http://www.timesrecordnews.com/news/ex-wasp-tells-how-she-ended-up-in-military>.Many
WASPs were patriotic and wanted to help with the war as best as they could, but one WASPs was
destined for it. Her brothers and father all were in the war so she wanted to be a part of it. Even if
there wasn’t a program for women to fly she still would have found a way. It was the right thing
to do because we were in a state of distress and needed a push to excel. A shortage of pilots
should not stop us from fighting.
"Hazel Ying Lee." Pinterest. Pinterest, n.d. Web. 10 Jan. 2015.
<http://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=WWII%20WASPs&term_meta%5B%5D=WWII%7C
typed&term_meta%5B%5D=WASPs%7Ctyped&remove_refine=WASPs%7Ctyped>. Hazel
Ying Lee was the first Chinese-American women to fly in the Air Force. She wasn't
discriminated for her race because the Air Force was severely in need of pilots at the time. But
after the program was disbanded people thought she shouldn’t get honored because of her race.
Her fellow WASPs didn’t let that stand in their way. All 1,074 women including Hazel Ying Lee
was honored in the 1970’s.
History of the WASP. Texas Women's University, 10 10 2014. Web. 15 Oct. 2014.
<http://www.twu.edu/library/wasp-history.asp>. Jacqueline Cochran started the Women's flying
training detachment for women to help during WWII while men worked overseas. Nancy Love
started the WAFS for the same reason as Cochran. In 1943, the two programs combined in the
WASP as a bigger and better supported group. Thousands of female pilots joined over the short
years the program was funded. Only 38 women died on the job, a lot less than the average
amount of men who died.
"History Of the WASPs." Texas Womens University. N.p., 9 Dec. 2014. Web. 29 Dec. 2014.
<http://www.twu.edu/library/wasp-history.asp>. Quote from First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt about
the usage of Female pilots in the Army Air Force. "We are in war and we need to fight with all
our ability and every weapon possible. Women pilots, in this particular case, are a weapon to be
used"- from “My Day” newspaper article. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt supported the usage of
female pilots in the Air Force as well as many other programs during WWII.
"History of the WASPs." Texas Womens University. TWU, 9 Dec. 2014. Web. 30 Dec. 2014.
<http://www.twu.edu/library/wasp-history.asp>. A quote from the letter Nancy Harkness Love
wrote to the ferrying division in the Army Air Force. "I've been able to find 49 women pilots I
can rate as excellent material....and there are probably at least 15 more that are up to handling
pretty complicated stuff." - Nancy Harkness Love, Letter to the AAF. Nancy Harkness Love was
a fast thrilling pilot. She learned to fly at a young age. She herself is a leader in aviation but all
together the WASPs, Jacqueline Cochran and Nancy Harkness Love achieved something no
single person could achieve in a lifetime.
"It Took Several Decades Before the WASPs Were Honored For Their Service During World War II."
Aljazeera America. Al Jazeera, n.d. Web. 4 Jan. 2015.
<http://america.aljazeera.com/watch/shows/america-tonight/america-tonight-blog/2013/11/11/bythe-numbers-femaleworldwariipilots.html>. 30 years after the WASPs program was disbanded,
the WASP were finally given military status and also veteran status. This makes a good image
because it shows the achievements the WASPs have won and the many more they helped others
achieve.
"Jacqueline Cochran and Eleanor Roosevelt." Liberty Letters. Liberty Letters Properties, n.d. Web. 4 Jan.
2015. <http://libertyletters.com/resources/pearl-harbor/jacqueline-cochran-aviator.php>.
Jacqueline Cochran and the First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt met to talk about using women in the
military. This event led up to the WASPs program being formed. Without this meeting, women in
the Air Force would be so far away from happening.
"Jacqueline Cochran." Chuck Yeager. Cybart, n.d. Web. 6 Jan. 2015. <http://www.chuckyeager.com/thelife-of-jackie-cochran>. Jacqueline Cochran was the first lady of flight and she is standing here
with commanding General Chuck Yeager as they are about to fly off. These two people played
big roles in the Air Force and helped our country achieve greatness during WWII. Chuck Yeager
was one of the few generals who respected women and thought they could handle the Army Air
Force. He was impressed by the outcome of Women Pilots after WWII ended.
"Japanese Surrenders." Mr. Vanderkeyl's History Blog. Blogger, n.d. Web. 10 Jan. 2015.
<http://mrvanderkeylhistory.blogspot.com/2014/04/world-war-ii-has-ended.html>. Newspaper
from 1945 when the Japanese surrendered to the U.S. This newspaper explains the great
accomplishments the U.S. had won. Japan was the last of the axis to surrender and the hardest to
fight off. The WASPs helped release men overseas for combat duties while they performed the
men’s duties back home.
Johnson Lewis, Jone. "WASP- Women Pilots of World War II." WASP- Women Pilots of World War II.
About education, n.d. Web. 1 Dec. 2014.
<http://womenshistory.about.com/od/waspwwiiaviation/a/wasp.htm>. I obtained more
information about the civilian pilot training program. This was the program they used in colleges
for students to participate in our national defense. Lasted for a couple of months in 1939. This
program is what allowed many of the WASPs to gain their pilots license and their able to fly in
the Air Force.
"June Bent." Military on NBC News. NBC News, n.d. Web. 10 Jan. 2015.
<http://www.nbcnews.com/id/35800368/ns/us_news-life/t/female-wwii-aviators-honored-goldmedal/#.VLHpvsZ0w8E>. June Bent, along with many other WWII Women's Airforce Service
Pilots gather at Capitol Hill in 2010 to receive the Congressional Gold Medal for their duties
during World War II. June Bent was one of the many WASPs who continued to fly after their
service. She also fought for more women’s rights including for women to be able to participate in
combat missions overseas.
Kratz, Jessie. "Shorter Skirts and Shoulder Pads: How WWII Women Changed Fashion." Prologue: The
Pieces to History. National Archives, 8 Sept. 2014. Web. 1 Jan. 2015.
<http://blogs.archives.gov/prologue/?p=13749>. The WASPs greatly impacted the workforce in
the 1940 and on. When women were first allowed to work in the military their fashion got the
best of them. They started a trend for other women. The WASPs clothing was also very trending
during the war.
"Lowry Air Force Base." The Denver Post. Denver Post, n.d. Web. 10 Jan. 2015.
<http://www.denverpost.com/ci_23733703/lowry-blumenschein-and-bach-mai-nonfiction-fromcolorado>. In this image, men perform physical fitness training in the Air Force. The Women's
Airforce Service Pilots trained and performed the same duties the men did in the Air Force with
the exception of combat duties. The women were pushed to exceed the male ranks in training and
many of them did.
"Mabels Burial." Mary Creations Aviation. Pam Pohly, n.d. Web. 2 Jan. 2015.
<http://wingsacrossamerica.us/web/obits/rawlinsom_mabel.htm>. Mabel Rawlinson's burial after
she was killed in a plane accident. Since the WASPs were not officially a part of the military,
they lacked the death and injury benefits. WASPs who died on the job were sent home in a casket
not marked with a flag. To their families, these women were hero’s s the families put their own
flag on their child’s casket. The WASPs have served to so they shall be treated the same.
"Members of WWII Honored." Statesman.com. Associated Press, n.d. Web. 2 Jan. 2015.
<http://galleries.statesman.com/gallery/women-airforce-service-pilots-honored-0310/>.The
Women’s Airforce Service Pilots were honored with a veterans status in the 70’s and honored
with the Congressional Gold Medal in 2010 by President Obama. The WASPs deserved both
winnings for their service during WWII.
"Men Rush to Planes." Deadline. Penske Buisness Media, n.d. Web. 6 Jan. 2015.
<http://deadline.com/2011/10/gk-films-plans-wwii-battle-of-britain-179185/>. Men rush to their
plane and get ready for battle during World War II. When Pearl Harbor was Bombed in 1941, the
Air Force was suffering with a shortage of pilots. There was not enough men to cover home and
fight overseas. So the idea of women came into play. The Women at the time did not work jobs
like this but there was some who could fly.
"Miss Fifinella." Pinterest. Pinterest, n.d. Web. 10 Jan. 2015.
<http://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=WWII%20WASPs&term_meta%5B%5D=WWII%7C
typed&term_meta%5B%5D=WASPs%7Ctyped&remove_refine=WASPs%7Ctyped>. The
WASPs often named the aircrafts they flew. The one behind the three WASPs was named Miss
Fifinella. Fifinella was a girl gremlin but gremlins were the German pilots which were bad, so the
WASPs decided to call their mascot Fifinella. This mascot was worn on their flight jackets and as
stickers on planes.
"Mission Commander." The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, n.d. Web. 10 Jan. 2015.
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eileen_Collins>. Eileen Collins was the mission commander of the
STS-144 in her astronaut career. Just like the WASPs, Eileen Collins was also an inspiration for
younger generations because she followed her own dreams that were made by the WASPs.
Women are just like men. We both have differences but we also have strengths. The WASPs used
their strength to pull through the war and they opened up opportunities that were never offered
before.
Nathan, Amy. Yankee Doodle Gals: Women Pilots of World War II. Washington, D.C.: National
Geographic Society, 2001. Print. Women who were WWII military aircraft pilots tell their
stories. From the beginning to the end, Jacqueline Cochran and Nancy Harkness Love’s the
WASPs show another side of women. They were the first Women Pilots in the Air Force. They
opened up aviation to women in the military and other jobs. This book tells the whole story and
how they WASPs handled this tremendous task of being the first women to fly military aircrafts
and changing the roles in aviation.
"Notable WASP Aviator." Academic. Wikepedia, n.d. Web. 30 Dec. 2014.
<http://en.academic.ru/dic.nsf/enwiki/754724#cite_note-16>. Jacqueline Cochran, commander of
the WASPs, is surrounded by the girls she trained. She herself is a skilled aviator and has broken
the sound barrier but she wanted a change in women. She fought for women to be able to fly and
be free. She thought that if the U.S. was to get into war, they would need to rely on women to
help. And they did. Today women have taken over every job there is.
"100 Most Influential Women in Aviation." Women in Aviation International. Aviation for Women, n.d.
Web. 30 Dec. 2014. <http://www.wai.org/pioneers/100womenscript.cfm>. Even though the
WASPs were civilian volunteers, they managed to fly over 60,00,000 miles in less than two years
delivering military aircraft to the point of embarkation. They helped the war effort by releasing
men overseas for combat duties. Without these women there would not have been women in the
Air Force for many more years. These women broke that barrier and achieved so much more.
"Parlimentary Aviation Orginization." Imgur. Imgur, 29 Aug. 2013. Web. 6 Jan. 2015.
<http://imgur.com/gallery/mo86Z>. The WASPs were the biggest aviation group in the 1940s.
They often graduated with higher ranks than men. This photo shows how the men and women in
the Air Force work together. A perfect example of what the WASPs were about. The WASPs
didn't take the men's jobs as they went overseas, they were civilians and volunteers so they
packed up and left after the men got back.
Parrish, Deanie. "Timeline of WASPs History." Wings Across America. YUDU, n.d. Web. 18 Dec. 2014.
<http://publishing.yudu.com/Freedom/Agp6m/WingsAcrossAmericasW/resources/index.htm?ref
errerUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wingsacrossamerica.us%2Fwasp%2Fresources%2F>. This is a
timeline depicting the events that led up to the WASPs program forming. Written by a former
WASP. The timeline includes when the letters that forever changed the military were written. It
also includes the date of deaths from the WASPs who perished while on duty. Pearl Harbor was
also involved in the WASPs program because this attack was what sent the U.S. into the war.
"Pearl Harbor." Pixshark. Disqus, n.d. Web. 6 Jan. 2015. <http://pixshark.com/world-war-2-battles.htm>.
The Attack on Pearl Harbor was the breaking point for the U.S. It immediately launched the
United States into World War II. This picture is of the U.S.S. Arizona. Over 1,000 bodies are still
trapped underneath this ship from the attack in 1941.
"Pearl Harbor Attack December 7th, 1941." Naval History and Heritage Command. U.S. Navy, n.d. Web.
6 Jan. 2015. <http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/events/wwii-pac/pearlhbr/ph-nyd.htm>. This
picture shows the attack on Pearl Harbor. The Japanese sunk ships and destroyed a country just
by destroying one harbor. The Japanese ships went missing in the weeks that led up to the event.
They sent wrong signals to try and throw the U.S. off. They successfully did but the U.S. came
back with an attack on Tokyo.
"Pioneering Women." The Seattle Times. Seattle Times, n.d. Web. 10 Jan. 2015.
<http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2010868497_wasp23m.html>. Mary Jean was a ground
school instructor until she joined the WASPs. She was able to get more flying in when she was a
WASP than when she was working for anything else. She was one of the few WASPs who
worked with flying before enrolling in the WASPs. She and a thousand other women ferried
aircraft to the point of embarkation in order to release additional men for combat.
"Pondering What's Next at the Enterance of Avenger Field in Sweetwater, Texas." Bullock Museum.
Bullock Museum, n.d. Web. 30 Dec. 2014.
<http://www.thestoryoftexas.com/explore/exhibits/fly-girls>. This another iconic picture that
portrays the WASPs. No one knows if the women were leaving or if they were just arriving at
Avenger Field in Sweetwater, Texas. This is where the flight training and ground school was
held. The WASPs spent all their time in this windy place in order to earn their silver wings.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt Signing the Declaration of War. 8 Dec. 1944. Photograph. World War II.
National Archives, Washington D.C. President Franklin D Roosevelt declaring War on Japan,
after their attack on a U.S. harbor, Pearl Harbor. This event launched the U.S. into World War II.
Japan was the last one of the Axis to surrender. Pearl Harbor was the U.S. pacific fleet so they
didn’t expect anything to happen. Especially something that big.
Remember the WASP. Wings Across America, n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2014.
<http://www.wingsacrossamerica.us/wasp/>. The Air Force remembers the Women’s Air Force
Service Pilots who served during WWII when there was an extremely huge shortage of pilots.
These women flew military aircraft to domestic locations so they could be transported overseas.
They were also the first sign of women in the military. They didn’t perform combat but they
helped train the men and took over their jobs while they were overseas.
Rickman, Sarah Byrn, ed. Factsheets: Women's Airforce Service Pilots. Friends Journal: the Magazine of
the Air Force Museum foundation, 8 Aug. 2013. Web. 29 Oct. 2014.
<http://www.afhso.af.mil/topics/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=15244>. The WASPs are
extraordinary unique. Today many people dint know who or what they were. Without their help,
the outcome of the war could have been very different. America could’ve lost their first battle.
The WASPs added more pilots to stay home and release men for combat duties. If the military
did not allow women in the military, the U.S. would have suffered.
"Roosevelt Speaking at the United Nations in July 1947." The Free Encylopedia. Wikipedia, July 1947.
Web. 4 Jan. 2015. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eleanor_Roosevelt>. This was a great photo to
use of Eleanor Roosevelt. It’s a clear photo showing how the former First Lady could talk
politics. Eleanor Roosevelt was a speaker and a writer. Every day she wrote a paragraph in the
newspaper about her day titled “My Day”. She helped women be able to work for the military
and perform the same ask as men.
"Rose Parade." Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Newspaper, n.d. Web. 10 Jan. 2015.
<http://articles.latimes.com/2013/dec/22/local/la-me-wasp-float-20131223>. Flora Belle Reece
tells her story to anyone who will listen. She enjoyed being a pilot during WWII because they
were so rare. She and 1,074 other women were the first females to fly military aircraft. They
performed domestic flights of military aircrafts to release additional men overseas for combat
duties.
"Silver Wings WASP." Silver Wing WASP. Wings Across America, n.d. Web. 5 Jan. 2015.
<http://wingsacrossamerica.us/elements/index.htm>. These wings were worn by all the 1,074
graduates of the WASPs. Jacqueline Cochran bought the first set of wings for the first class of
WASPs. These wings were special made just so they would not look like the ones the men got.
The WASPs were proud of their achievement and their silver wings.
"Solo Flight in Flying Fortress." WHO News. WHO, n.d. Web. 7 Jan. 2015.
<http://whotv.com/2013/12/31/rose-parade-female-wwii-pilots-to-be-honored/>. Two pilots in
one plane was called a solo flight because they were not accompanied by an instructor. The
Flying Fortress was a popular aircraft during WWII. These were fighters so they were used in the
war. The WASPs were ordered to fly every aircraft the men flew because they had to ferry them
to the points of embarkation.
"Strike Eagle." CFPA. Chick Fighter Pilot Association, n.d. Web. 10 Jan. 2015.
<http://www.lundberg.tv/cfpa/history.html>. Many women fly today in the Air Force, even more
are a part of the military. Without the courageous women who performed their duties during
WWII, our point of view on women working would be the same as it was one-hundred years ago.
Women are a force driven to get what they want. In the 1940’s the WACS, WAVS, and the
WASPs were volunteers but they forever changed the way women were looked at.
"They Served Too." Women in WWII. User Page, n.d. Web. 17 Dec. 2014.
<http://userpages.aug.com/captbarb/femvetsalso.html>. The Women in the Red Cross weren't the
only female to have an effort during the war. The Women Airforce Service Pilots or WASPs,
inpacted the war by releasing men overseas for war. They also became an inspiration for young
women across the country. Today thousands of women are enlisted in the military and support
our coutry.
"3 WASPs in Front of a Plane." W.A.S.P.'s of WWII. Google, n.d. Web. 30 Dec. 2014.
<https://sites.google.com/site/waspwwiiremembered/conclusion>. This image shows three
Women Airforce Service Pilots getting ready for an overnight flight. Overnight fights were and
are still dangerous because of the low visibility and weather. You were also at risk at a mid-air
collision. Out of the 38 WASPs who have died, 13 died in overnight crashes.
Timothy, ed. By the Numbers: Female World War II pilots. Aljazeera America, n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 2014.
<http://america.aljazeera.com/watch/shows/america-tonight/america-tonight-blog/2013/11/11/bythe-numbers-femaleworldwariipilots.html>. this image shows the last class only served two
weeks before the program was deactivated. Two programs combined to make the WASPs. Nancy
love started the Women's auxiliary ferrying squadron or WAFS. And Jacqueline Cochrans group
the WFTD combined to make the first ever women flying group.
"Trainees Ready to Fly." Remember the WASPs. Blogger, n.d. Web. 10 Jan. 2015.
<http://rememberthewasp.blogspot.com/>. The Women flew every day to get their flying hours
they needed for graduation. After they earned the certain number of hours needed, they took test
rides with army officers to see if they pass or if they will wash out. The women were always
scared to get washed out. One of the hardest tasks was not even flying. It was learning the Morse
code.
Tundel, Nikki, ed. MPR news. MinnesotaPublic Radio, 13 Aug. 2009. Web. 9 Dec. 2014.
<http://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/08/12/wasps>. Almost 70 years after they served, The
WWII WASPs were finally recognized for their effort during WWII. Only 250 WASPs were still
living but they all made sure to honor them all. They presented the WASPs who have died with
their medal on their tombstone. Because they had served to.
"TWU A-24 Dive Bomber Towing Targets." Missiles and More Museum. Missiles and More Museum,
n.d. Web. 6 Jan. 2015. <http://missilesandmoremuseum.org/exhibits/wasp/>. The WASPs flew
plenty of different planes. This A-24 was used to help the men practice for anti-artillery practice.
The women flew planes with targets towing behind them for the men to practice with. It was
dangerous but it was needed.
"TWU Altitude Suits." Missile and More Museum. Missiles and More Museum, n.d. Web. 6 Jan. 2015.
<http://missilesandmoremuseum.org/exhibits/wasp/>. The WASPs and pilots in general wore
altitude suits to keep warm while flying. This photograph shows what the wasp wore when it got
cold. They also ended up wearing the altitude suits on the ground because of the fierce winds they
encountered in Sweetwater, Texas.
"TWU Joyce Sherwood Walked Away." Missiles and More Museum. Missiles and More Museum, n.d.
Web. 6 Jan. 2015. <http://missilesandmoremuseum.org/exhibits/wasp/>. One WASPs was
severed in two and died, but the pilot of this plane walked away with just a few scratches. The
women actually had a lower death rate than male pilots in the Air Force. Only 38 WASPs died
during their service. This image shows the dangers the WASPs had to experience.
"TWU WASP and Pursuit." Missiles and More Museum. Missiles and More Museum, n.d. Web. 6 Jan.
2015. <http://missilesandmoremuseum.org/exhibits/wasp/>. The WASPs flew the pursuit, a plane
in which they had to fly in order to graduate. This image shows Four WASPs in front of a pursuit
with an instructor. In order to graduate, the WASPs had to do check flights with an instructor to
make sure they had the skill needed to fly.
"TWU WASPs Veteran Status 1979 Washington." Missiles and More Museum. Missiles and More
Museum, n.d. Web. 6 Jan. 2015. <http://missilesandmoremuseum.org/exhibits/wasp/>. The
Womens Airforce Service Pilots were given their veteran status in 1979, 30 years after they
served. Then in 2010, they were given the Congressional Gold Medal for their service in the 40’s.
The public today has no clue what brought the Air Force or the military to allow women to
participate.
"Unsung Heroines of WWII." Because it Matters. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Dec. 2014.
<http://becauseitmattersprogram.com/unsung-heroines-wwii-wasps/>. Being remembered almost
30 yrs after they served felt great. Being honored felt even better. The WASPs worked hard for
what they achieved. They worked hard for their country when it was in a deep tiring time.
"Air Force Graduation." The Gaurdian. Gaurdian News, n.d. Web. 10 Jan. 2015.
<http://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/may/27/us-national-security-strategy-report>.
Graduates of the United States Air Force Academy celebrate graduation after months of training
and flying. This image shows how proud people are when they graduate from something so big.
Now they know they can achieve more and go even farther.
"U.S. Air Force." Women Military Aviators. Women Aviators, n.d. Web. 10 Jan. 2015.
<https://womenmilitaryaviators.org/2010/11/pistol-packin-mama/>. Without the WASPs, the idea
of women being a part of the Air Force was unthinkable. Thanks to many of the famous women
pilots, the WASPs grew to be a part of the Air Force and the WASPs inspired many new
generations of pilots. Now today there are thousands of women participating in the military.
"U.S. Ship Sinking." Britanica. Britanica, n.d. Web. 30 Dec. 2014.
<http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/448010/Pearl-Harbor-attack>.Many U.S. aircraft
carriers sunk in the attack Pearl Harbor including the U.S.S Virginia and the U.S.S. Arizona.
Thousands of men died in the midst of the attack planned by the Japanese.
"U.S.S. Virginia." 90.0 Wbur. Boston News Station, n.d. Web. 6 Jan. 2015.
<http://hereandnow.wbur.org/2012/12/07/remembering-pearl-harbor>. The U.S.S Virginia
sinking as the attack on Pearl Harbor commences. This event brought the U.S. fully into World
War II against Japan, Italy, and Germany. The war had started in 1939 when Germany rolled into
Warsaw, Poland but the U.S. managed to avoid joining for two years. Until Japan successfully
attacked Pearl Harbor, Americas Pacific fleet.
"Viola Thompson, Mary Clifford and Lydia Lindner Pose in Front of the Engine of What’s Probably an
AT-17 Aircraft. The Three Were Women Airforce Service Pilots Serving at Camp Davis During
World War II." War History Online. N.p., 5 Dec. 2012. Web. 4 Jan. 2015.
<http://www.warhistoryonline.com/featured-article/there-are-less-than-175-wasp-still-livingwomen-airforce-service-pilots-flew-wwii-missions-over-pender-county.html>. These three
WASPs were showing how proud they are of their accomplishments. These Leaders in Women's
Aviation were a part of the massive group the WASPs. The WASPs had achieved so much in
their short time of service during WWII. From being the first women to fly military aircraft to
flying high and forever changing the roles in aviation.
"A WAF Officer Canidate Salutes in Front of the American Flag." Wikepedia the Free Encyclopedia.
Wikipedia, n.d. Web. 5 Jan. 2015. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women_in_the_Air_Force>.
This image shows how strong and patriotic the WAFS were. Every morning they said a pledge to
their country. The WASPs did the same thing. Many of the WASPs were very patriotic, the
reason they joined the WASPs. They all knew joining was the right thing to do.
"WAFS Ferry Pilots." Women of World War II. Burke Enterprises, n.d. Web. 7 Jan. 2015.
<http://www.womenofwwii.com/armywasps2.html>. WAFS ferry pilots Florene Watson and
Barbara London are getting ready for take-off during the day. Many WASPs flew with partners
so they could help tell directions. Others planes called for two pilots. Women were added into the
military to cover the jobs while the men were off fighting combat.
"WAFs Pilot Nancy Harkness Love." World War II Database. Lava Development, n.d. Web. 5 Jan. 2015.
<http://ww2db.com/image.php?image_id=7223>. Nancy Harkness Love pilots the queen bee
which the WAFS flew. Nancy Harkness Love was the commander of the WAFS which soon
would be combined with the WFTD to make the WASPs. Nancy Harkness Love was a leader in
aviation and so was her WASPs. The ones she helped train.
"Waiting at Attention at Avenger Field." Bullock Museum. Bullock Museum, n.d. Web. 30 Dec. 2014.
<http://www.thestoryoftexas.com/explore/exhibits/fly-girls>. The WASPs marched everywhere.
To the mess hall, to the barracks and to the air field. They did the same tasks the men performed,
with the exception of combat. They flew the same aircrafts, did the same training, and were
graded the same. To make up for the lack of combat training, the WASPs flew more. Which by
graduation, they graduated with higher ranks than the men.
"WASP." Viewing Gallery for WWII WASPs Posters. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Jan. 2015.
<http://galleryhip.com/wasps-wwii-poster.html>. WASPs on the cover of Life magazine. By
advertising the jobs women worked during the war, it caused a bunch of inspiration in a lot of
young folk. The WASPs inspired many new generation in aviation
"WASP Avenger Field Physical Training." WASP. Helena Schrader, n.d. Web. 30 Dec. 2014.
<http://helena-schrader.com/waspnara11.html>. The WASPs physical fitness training was the
same as the men’s in the Air Force. They both lined up in lines every day and performed the same
asks. You had to be fit for flight and combat. They even had to pass physicals in order to fly. The
WASPs were held at the same standard as men.
"WASP Briefing Room." WASP. Helena Schrader, n.d. Web. 30 Dec. 2014. <http://helenaschrader.com/waspnara9.html>. The WASPs stood at the training bored looking for their flight
time and directions. They mapped locations in the briefing room and prepared for flights also.
"WASP Deanie Parrish, Strapping on Her Chute." Remember the WASPs. Blogger, n.d. Web. 10 Jan.
2015. <http://rememberthewasp.blogspot.com/>. The WASPs wore Chutes or parachutes just in
case they had an emergency and had to eject themselves. If a WASP was to eject themselves, they
would be dunked in a fountain as an initiation. This was only allowed for women. Only because
no one knew about it.
"A WASP Final Flight." WASP Final Flight. Blogger, n.d. Web. 10 Jan. 2015.
<http://waspfinalflight.blogspot.com/2010/06/wasp-carol-brinton-selfridge-44-w-5.html>. Carol
Wheeler, a former Women's Airforce Service Pilot, flew every year in honor of the WASPs.
Although many people didn't know why she was flying at her age, she continued on. She herself
inspired her own children to fly and their own children
"WASP Ground School." Women of World War II. Burke Enterprises, n.d. Web. 7 Jan. 2015.
<http://www.womenofwwii.com/armywasps2.html>. An instructor works with a WASP in
ground school. The WASP is in a flight simulator, an instrument they have to learn how to
operate before they fly actual aircrafts. They had to pass ground school in order to fly aircrafts.
"WASP Nell Bright." Desert News. Desert News, n.d. Web. 10 Jan. 2015.
<http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865610112/Pioneer-in-female-aviation-looks-back-atWWII-service-as-a-WASP.html?pg=all>. Everybody sacrificed during WWII. Nell Bright
sacrificed every family member to help the war effort. Her brothers were in the Air Force and she
loved to fly. So she became a member of the WASPs in 1944.
"WASP Prepares to Fly a P-38." Pinterest. Pinterest, n.d. Web. 10 Jan. 2015.
<http://www.pinterest.com/flygirls1944/wasp-wwii/>. The WASPs flew every type of aircraft the
men did, including the AT-6, B-17, and the P-38. Even when the WASPs didn't fly combat, they
still flew the combat planes to the point of embarkation for the men. The women took over these
jobs because there was a shortage of pilots.
"WASPs." National WASP World War II Museum. National WASP World War II Museum, n.d. Web. 7
Jan. 2015. <http://waspmuseum.org/store/wasp-books/>. A book cover from the WASPs Women
Airforce Service Pilots by Vera S. Williams. It talks about how the WASPs of WWII came to be.
"WASPs at Liberty Field." New Georgia Encyclopedia. University of Georgia Press, n.d. Web. 8 Jan.
2015. <http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/file/7951>. A group of WASPs pose for a photo at
Camp Stewart in 1944. The WASPs flew military aircraft for anti-artillery practice for the men.
The targets were not even 20 feet away from the plane. This photo shows how proud they were to
be able to fly and be a part of the Air Force. They were even more proud when they earned their
silver wings for their hard work during training.
"WASPs Checking Schedules." Defense Media Network. Faircount Media Group, n.d. Web. 6 Jan. 2015.
<http://www.defensemedianetwork.com/stories/women-in-world-war-ii/>. The WASPs check the
schedule for when they get to tow targets for anti-artillery practice. The Schedule changed every
day sometimes every hour, which caused them to have to check more frequently. The women had
their own classroom for schedules since there was so many of them.
"WASPs in Front of a B-17 Flying Fortress." Guys Girl. GuysGirl.com, n.d. Web. 6 Jan. 2015.
<http://guysgirl.com/gg/guysgirl-blog/celebrating-wasps-women-helped-d-day.html>. In this
iconic picture of the WASPs, they stand in front of one of the biggest planes the Air Force flew,
the B-17. This was a powerful bomber. The WASPs didn’t drop bombs, they flew these aircrafts
to different air bases so they could then be transported overseas.
"WASPs March at Graduation Day at Avenger Field." Bullock Museum. Bullock Museum, n.d. Web. 30
Dec. 2014. <http://www.thestoryoftexas.com/explore/exhibits/fly-girls>. Graduation day for the
WASPs was a day to celebrate their achievement of not getting washed out. That day, they would
earn their silver wings and then be assigned to an Air Force base somewhere in the country.
There, they would transport aircraft to different air bases, tow targets, and serve as instructors for
trainees.
"WASPs Members Hold Up Flag." Statesman.com. Associated Press, 10 Mar. 2010. Web. 2 Jan. 2015.
<http://galleries.statesman.com/gallery/women-airforce-service-pilots-honored-0310/>. The
WASPs were very patriotic. So was our country. Everybody did something to help with the war.
Many worked in machinery shops and others enlisted in the military. The WASPs flew for their
country out of courage and patriotism.
WASPs of World War II Are Honored. Abilene Reporter News. Abilene News, n.d. Web. 2 Jan. 2015.
<http://www.reporternews.com/news/wasp-ceremony>. The WASPs were honored in many
ways. From being the first women to fly military aircraft, to being awarded the Congressional
Gold medal in 2010. These women are hero’s and deserved to be treated like them. Their veteran
status was given to them in the 1970’s because they were remembered by the first three women to
graduate from the USAFA.
"WASPs on the Runway." Flickr. yahoo, n.d. Web. 6 Jan. 2015.
<https://www.flickr.com/photos/damopabe/3033244966/>. Three WASPs walking on the runway
during the 1940's. They had their flight suits on and are getting ready for a day of flying. They
flew every day because they needed many hours of flight time in order to graduate.
"WASPs Shown at Altus Army Field." The Telegraph. Nashu Newspaper, 30 May 2010. Web. 2 Jan.
2015. <http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/news/753300-196/programs-showed--what-femalescould-do.html>. Altus Army Field was where many WASPs were first stationed. Only because
many airplane factories were around in that area. They needed many WASPs to be able to ferry
the aircrafts to other air bases.
"WASPs: Womens Airfore Service Pilots." Nellis Creech and NTTR Bullseye. Aero Tech News, n.d.
Web. 2 Jan. 2015. <http://www.aerotechnews.com/nellisafb/2012/03/24/las-vegas-wasps-ofworld-war-ii/>.
"WASP Women Airforce Service Pilots." Best Toddler Toys. Best Toddler Toys, n.d. Web. 10 Jan. 2015.
<http://besttoddlertoys.eu/tag/wasp-pilots>. This is an image of a WWII WASP after graduation
climbing into the cockpit of an aircraft. After the WASPs graduated they were stationed at any of
the 120 different Air bases across the country. They ferried military aircraft to the point of
embarkation and towed targets for anti-artillery practice. The WASPs were the first women to fly
military aircraft and without them, the idea of women pilots in the military would be rejected.
WWII opened up many new opportunities for people. The WASPs opened up even more for
women.
WASP WWII in 6 Minutes. By Nancy Parrish. Youtube. N.p., 20 Mar. 2007. Web. 10 Jan. 2015.
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmEQziYmg38>. In 6 minutes, this video will give you
brief but important information about the WASPs. From Jacqueline Cochran's journey for the
WASPs to the final graduation on December 7th, 1944. It also features the veteran’s status that
the WASPs worked so hard for. This video gives me actual footage of what the WASPs did
during their service.
"Women Mechanics." Defense Media Network. Fair Count Media Network, n.d. Web. 6 Jan. 2015.
<http://www.defensemedianetwork.com/stories/women-in-world-war-ii/>. Three WASPs work
on a motor, another skill they had to learn in ground School. The WASPs had to be their own
mechanic because they had to work on their own skills. To lighten planes, they often had to strip
the plane of unwanted material.
Women of World War II. N.p., 2014. Web. 1 Dec. 2014.
<http://www.womenofwwii.com/armywasps.html>. The information I got from this web site is
useful because the women were civil service employees with no death or injury benefits. They
obtained the same jobs as men but weren't paid the same. They were paid a whole three dollars
shorter.
Women Who Served. National Archives, n.d. Web. 2 Dec. 2014.
<http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/a_people_at_war/women_who_served/wafs_wasp.html>.
Information about the WAFS ( Womens Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron) and the Women's Flying
Training Detachment. I gained more information about Nancy Loves program the WAFS. It gave
me an idea of how little difference there was between the WAFS and the WFTD.
World War II Poster. N.d. Image. Records From the Day of Infamy. National Archives, Washington D.C.
Support the War Effort and Remember Pearl Harbor. Sacrifice like the ones who have sacrificed
for you. Propaganda was used to inspire Americans to support the war effort. Many posters like
Rosie the riveter and the four WASPs walking are still used today. Not for the same reason but
for others.
"WWII." World War II Battles. Disqus, n.d. Web. 6 Jan. 2015. <http://pixshark.com/world-war-2battles.htm>. Men were sent overseas for combat duty during WWII. The Air Force was having a
shortage of pilots and enlisted women to fly. They created two programs the WAFS and the
WFTD. They were soon combined to create the WASPs, who created a new opportunity for
women.
"WWII Has Ended." Mr. Vanderkeyl's History Blog. Blogger, n.d. Web. 10 Jan. 2015.
<http://mrvanderkeylhistory.blogspot.com/2014/04/world-war-ii-has-ended.html>. People
celebrated in the streets when they heard that the Japanese had surrendered. Many people after
the war forgot about the unlikely hero’s that supported the war. This image showed me how
proud and patriotic America truly was back then.
"WWII WASPs." Find A Grave. Ancesrty, n.d. Web. 14 Dec. 2014. <http://www.findagrave.com/cgibin/fg.cgi?page=vcsr&GSvcid=216922>. Being a non-combat pilot was still extremely
dangerous. It showed when 38 WASPs were killed in accidents. Not because they didn't know
how to fly, but because accidents happen. Many of the women died in air to air crashes. One
WASP was shot down by an enemy plane. She was never trained in combat.
"WWII WASPs Check Maps Before Take Off." Strange Military. StrangeMilitary.com, n.d. Web. 30
Dec. 2014. <http://www.strangemilitary.com/content/item/170218.html>. The WASPs marked
locations on a map that they would use up in the cockpit while flying. The sky looks the same
wherever you go, so the WASPs relied on landmarks as a marker to know where they were. The
WASPs legacy will live on as long as women continue to fly and support their country.