WASPs Around a Curtis A-25A
ca. 1943
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The original caption for this photograph reads: "WASPs around a Curtis A-25A making last minute check-up before taking off, Army Air Field, Camp Davis, North Carolina."
During World War II, women were not allowed to participate in battle, but they did serve in so-called "noncombat" missions. In September 1942, the Army Air Force (AAF) created the Women's Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS) that recruited highly skilled and experienced female pilots who were sent on noncombat missions ferrying planes between factories and AAF installations. The Army Air Force trained over 1,000 women to fly. As the ranks of women pilots serving the AAF swelled, the value of their contribution began to be recognized, and the Air Force took steps to militarize them. As a first step, the Air Force renamed their unit from WAFS to Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP).
Although not allowed to fly combat missions, WAFS/WASP pilots served grueling, often dangerous, tours of duty. Ferrying and towing were risky activities, and some WAFS/WASP pilots suffered injuries and were killed in the course of duty. In 1977, after much lobbying of Congress, the WASP finally achieved military active duty status for their service.
During World War II, women were not allowed to participate in battle, but they did serve in so-called "noncombat" missions. In September 1942, the Army Air Force (AAF) created the Women's Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS) that recruited highly skilled and experienced female pilots who were sent on noncombat missions ferrying planes between factories and AAF installations. The Army Air Force trained over 1,000 women to fly. As the ranks of women pilots serving the AAF swelled, the value of their contribution began to be recognized, and the Air Force took steps to militarize them. As a first step, the Air Force renamed their unit from WAFS to Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP).
Although not allowed to fly combat missions, WAFS/WASP pilots served grueling, often dangerous, tours of duty. Ferrying and towing were risky activities, and some WAFS/WASP pilots suffered injuries and were killed in the course of duty. In 1977, after much lobbying of Congress, the WASP finally achieved military active duty status for their service.
This primary source comes from the Records of U.S. Air Force Commands, Activities, and Organizations.
National Archives Identifier: 176250894
Full Citation: Photograph 342-FH-4A5353-34184AC; WASPs Around a Curtis A-25A; ca. 1943; Black and White and Color Photographs of U.S. Air Force and Predecessor Agencies Activities, Facilities and Personnel - World War II and Korean War, ca. 1940 - ca. 1980; Records of U.S. Air Force Commands, Activities, and Organizations, Record Group 342; National Archives at College Park, College Park, MD. [Online Version, https://www.docsteach.org/documents/document/wasps-curtis, September 9, 2024]Rights: Public Domain, Free of Known Copyright Restrictions. Learn more on our privacy and legal page.
