WASPS

The Women Airforce Service Pilots of the World War II era are finally getting recognition-65 years after the end of the war-for their service. These women flew "...planes across the country, hauled targets for shooting practice..." and also trained male pilots. Their service freed up male pilots for front line duty. About 25,000 signed up for training but only 1074 completed it. 38 died in service. It seems their contribution was not appreciated at the time and some may still resent them. This source states, "At many of the bases where they were stationed, there was intense prejudice. WASPS...didn't receive veterans benefits until 1977". Even now some male pilots have written protest letters saying that "...if the medals-Congressional Gold Medals-were given to women, they would send theirs back". The recognition this spring will be the awarding of Congressional Gold Medals to some 200 surviving WASPS. Other groups receiving the medals in the past have been the Navajo Marine Corps Radio Operators or "Code Talkers" and the Tuskegee Airmen. Individuals getting the award have been Robert Frost and Dr Jonas Salk.

(Source: "WWII women fliers now up there witht the greats" by Nancy Bartley of The Seattle Times. In The Record on 1/24/10).