Special exhibits across the country are featuring the “Fly Girls” of World War II. The WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) program began in 1942 and ended in 1944 and they were the first women in history to fly American military aircraft. They were known as the best kept secrets of World War II.
Shortage of Combat Pilots
There was a severe shortage of combat pilots during World War II, and Jacqueline Cochran convinced the military that women should be able to take over some of the stateside flying jobs. Cochran was America’s leading female pilot at the time and her program would release hundreds of male pilots for combat duty.
Only 1,830 of the more than 24,000 women who applied for the program were accepted. 1,075 completed the training successfully and were then assigned to one of 120 Army bases in the United States. They were test pilots and instructor pilots. They flew fighter, bomber, transport and training aircraft. They towed targets for air-to-air gunnery practice and ground-to-air anti-aircraft practice. They transported personnel and cargo which included parts for the atomic bomb.
Overcoming Gender Bias
They worked in pivotal jobs while facing overwhelming gender bias against women who served in nontraditional roles. Male pilots refused to fly the B-26 Martin Marauder in 1943, so twenty-five WASP were trained to fly it and prove that it was safe. Congress passed an act on July 1 to award the Congressional Gold Medal for the WASP.
Thirty-eight women lost their lives as WASP in World War II, and their bodies were sent home in cheap wood boxes. They were not considered military, therefore Gold Stars were not allowed in the windows of their parents, no American flags allowed on their coffins, and burials were at the expense of families and friends. After the war there were no honors, no military benefits. Their military records were sealed and filed in the archives.
Congress finally voted in 1977 to give the WASP military recognition, and in 1979 they were given veteran status. Women were finally permitted to attend military pilot training a few years later.
Traveling Exhibit
A traveling exhibit on loan from Texas Woman’s University will feature the “Fly Girls” at the Henderson County Heritage Museum from November 4 until November 17. The exhibit tells the story of the WASP program and will be located in the back lobby of the Historic Courthouse on Main Street. There will be a special presentation at the Veteran’s Day Ceremony on November 11 at 11:00 a.m. on the Historic Courthouse Plaza.
The Henderson County Heritage Museum is located at the Historic Courthouse, 1 Historic Courthouse Square, Hendersonville, North Carolina. They are open 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays, and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sundays.
