On August 5th, 1943, the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) program was officially established, marking a historic milestone in the fight for gender equality in the military and aviation.
As WWII raged on, over 1,000 women pilots answered the call, flying noncombat missions, ferrying aircraft, towing targets, and providing flight instruction. Though they wore uniforms and risked their lives, these women were considered civilians and not granted veteran status until 1977. In 2009, they received the Congressional Gold Medal.
We honor the 1,047 women who graduated from the WASP program, the 38 who lost their lives in service, and the generations who continue to carry their legacy forward.
Sources:
https://www.flyingmag.com/wasp-to-commemorate-80th-anniversary/
https://airandspace.si.edu/stories/editorial/women-wings-legacy-wasp
Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) (U.S. National Park Service)
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