“All told, the WASP transported 12,000 planes over 60 million miles, released more than 1,100 male pilots for combat flying overseas, and proved beyond a doubt that women pilots were just as skilled and tenacious as men.”–Katherine Sharp Landeck, The Women with Silver Wings

Women played a pivotal role in aviation during WWII that I was completely unaware of prior to reading this fascinating book by Katherine Sharp Landeck which chronicles the history of the WASP (Women Air Force Service Pilots.) WASP was the brainchild of two extremely capable female pilots–Nancy Love and Jacqueline Cochran.

Women were not allowed to fly combat missions during the war, but their roles ferrying planes across the country and helping to train male pilots freed up men to join the military. 1,100 women passed the Army’s rigorous selection process to earn their silver wings. They played a pivotal role and proved they were just as capable as men at flying a plane. The country and the military were grateful for their service but after the war was over, they were no longer allowed to be hired as pilots since that would take jobs from returning soldiers. After years of petitioning congress, they were finally recognized as the army veterans that they were.

These women were brave, tough, resilient, and committed. Thank you Katherine Landeck for sharing their story with the world.

Content Warning: Racism, antisemitism, homophobia, sexism