(SOL: VUS.11) Some vary daring and pioneering women pilots are finally being recognized by the U.S. military, decades after their service during World War II. The Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) flew Army Air Corps planes during World War II on the homefront, to free up men to fly in the war. 1,100 of them served and 38 died in the line of duy. But they were considered civilians and not recognized for their service as the first female USAF pilots. It’s taken a lot of lobbying to gain recognition over the past 65 years. This year, the nearly 300 surviving members will be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.
NPR has a great story about their service and their trials after the war to gain recognition.