How Many Women Air Force Service Pilots Were There in World War II

During World War II, women volunteered to fly military aircraft. This was the Women’s Air Force Service Pilots (WASP) program. Women flew every type of aircraft used by the army air forces. They also assisted male pilots during training. In addition, they helped test new aircraft and tow targets for gunnery training.

There were 38 women who died in service. In addition, 11 died in training-related accidents. Despite the fact that women were not allowed to fly combat aircraft, they logged more than 60 million miles in the air.

When World War II ended, the WASP program was disbanded. Their records were not released for years. However, their names were remembered in later decades.

After the war, a group of WASP re-united. They worked together to set the record straight. They also advocated for recognition as veterans. In 1977, WASP were given veteran status. They were also awarded silver wings and American Theater Campaign medals.

WASP were able to fly a wide variety of aircraft, including B-26 bombers, P-39 fighters, F-5 fighters, and P-63 reconnaissance aircraft. They flew from 126 bases throughout the United States. They also flew planes from factories to military bases.

The need for female pilots was quickly realized in the United States during World War II. Col. William Tunner recognized this need as soon as he entered the war. In response, he began a program that would train 500 women as ferrying pilots. He also created a test pilot job for women. The pilots would fly experimental radio-controlled target aircraft.