My generation grew up on World War II, our fathers’ war: for us, movies and TV and reminiscences. We all knew a big part of the victory was American bombers pounding Germany. We know those planes were based in Britain. But how did they get there?
Enter the Women’s Air Force Service Pilots, WASPs for short. Someone had to deliver those bombers across the Atlantic; and 38 of those women died, doing it. Aviation technology in 1943 wasn’t like we’ve got today. Y’know, they were doing this only 15 years after Lindbergh first soloed across the Atlantic.
In spite of their vital contribution to victory, and the courage and skill they showed in doing it, and their sacrifice, history by and large ignored them. This was not right. Senator Barry Goldwater finally got it corrected in 1977.
I find their story deeply moving. Ladies, this little blog salutes you.
Yes, I had acquaintences who were part of this.
The WASPs played an important role, and were treated so poorly. It’s sickening.