| More than 1800 American women were trained during World War II in every aspect of domestic non-combat flight duty. These women were organized as civil service employees called the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). They flew the most complex airplanes in existence at a time when very few women drove cars. The program was disbanded in 1944 amid a firestorm of negative publicity generated by a powerful lobbying effort of male pilots who perceived the women as a threat. Efforts to militarize the program so the WASPs would receive veteran's benefits also were defeated. Despite these setbacks, the WASPs made significant contributions to the war effort at considerable personal sacrifice. This study makes use of primary and secondary sources in presenting chapters on the program's (1) origins, (2) training, (3) utilization of graduates, (4) social considerations, (5) public relations, (6) efforts at militarization, and (7) conclusion. |
