Women Airforce Service Pilots

Women Airforce Service Pilots

Between 1942-1944, a group of 1,102 young women served the United States as Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). The organization was founded and commanded by Jacqueline Cochran, with the endorsement of H.H. “Hap” Arnold, then Commanding General of the Army Air Forces. The WASP collectively flew over 60 million miles in 77 different kinds of aircraft. The women ferried planes, towed targets, gave flying instruction to male cadets, and more. The women were not permitted to fly combat missions, but their contribution to the war effort was essential to the success of the U.S. military. Thirty-eight of these brave women lost their lives in service to their country.

Virginia Thomas Collection of the International Women's Air & Space Museum