The Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASP) and its predecessor groups, the Women's Flying Training Detachment (WFTD) and the Women's Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS) were pioneering organizations of civilian female pilots employed to fly military aircraft under the direction of the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. The female pilots would number thousands, each freeing a male pilot for combat service. The WFTD and WAFS were combined on August 5th 1943 to create the WASP organization. Almost every type of aircraft flown by the USAAF during World War II, including the early U.S. jet aircraft, was also flown by women in these roles. Between September 1942 and December 1944, the WASP delivered 12,650 aircraft of 78 different types. Over fifty percent of the ferrying of combat aircraft within the United States during the war was carried out by WASP. Thirty-eight WASP fliers lost their lives while serving their country during the war. The sacrifice and determination that these women showed during World War II would be a key factor in the eventual integration of women into the Air Force.
Inducted in 2009.
Portrait Location: Hall of Fame Hallway

Induction Video