Above All

During WWII, the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) was formed to help with non-combat piloting missions. Of the 25,000 applicants to the program, 1,830 were accepted and 1,074 graduated. The WASP, based out of Avenger Field in Sweetwater, Texas, were a civilian unit charged with transporting military aircraft from all over the United States to coastal ports for shipment to war zones as well as test piloting problem aircraft, towing aerial targets (a risky endeavor because real ammunition was fired), and training male cadets. The WASP flew 77 different types of planes for a total of 12,650 deliveries and 60 million miles. They faced resistance at every turn from being grounded during their menstrual cycles to sabotage. Thirty-eight WASP lost their lives in service to their country, unusually painful as there was no insurance, family death benefit or official recognition for the women who died. On December 20, 1944 the WASP program was deactivated, and in a sign of the times, most of those pilots would never again be able to obtain jobs in aviation. While their military careers were abruptly put to an end, the WASP had already created a landmark for future generations. In addition to being trailblazers for women in aviation, they challenged stereotypes and built a foundation of courage, ability and self-esteem.