Crossroads Unlimited Inc.

During World War II, nearly 1,100 highly trained women served as Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). They tested, ferried, and flew aircraft, operating every type of plane used by the U.S. Army Air Forces.

These women stepped into the cockpit to handle a massive shortage of male pilots. While some were restricted to non-combat duties, others flew directly onto the front lines.

Despite their highly dangerous work, WASPs were classified as civilian civil servants rather than military personnel. Thirty-eight WASP pilots lost their lives in service, but because they lacked military status, the government did not pay for their funerals or provide military honors. They were finally granted retroactive military veteran status in 1977.