Memorial Day is a day to remember those who have died in our nation’s service. Sadly the heroism and memories of some groups took too long to be recognized.
This salute is offered to a very special group of women who became known as WASP – Women Air Force Service Pilots. They were civilian pilots who delivered 12,650 aircraft all over the country and overseas freeing male pilots for combat duty.
The US Air Force did not believe that women pilots were qualified to fly and ferry military aircraft. Two famous women pilots at the time, Jackie Cochran and Nancy Harkness Love, with the support of Eleanor Roosevelt, submitted proposals to enlist qualified women pilots to ferry missions of army aircraft from factories to Army airfields in the U. S.
Thirty-eight WASP fliers lost their lives while serving their country during the war. Because they were not considered to be in the military under existing guidelines, a fallen WASP was sent home at family expense without traditional military honors or recognition of her heroism. The U. S. military would not allow the U. S. flag to be put on their coffins.
After WW II ended, all records of the WASP were classified and sealed for 35 years. Their contributions to WW II were virtually unknown and inaccessible to historians. The WASP fought a battle with Congress to obtain recognition as veterans of WW II. They organized a group and tried to get public support for official recognition.
Ultimately, they received the same official medals that service men received.
On July 1, 2009, President Obama recognized all the Woman Air Force Service Pilots by awarding them the Congressional Gold Medal for their invaluable service to the nation.
Thanks to all WASP members for your service.
From a proud American.
Tony Catalano
WW II veteran
