The Wasps Research Paper

The year is 1943. In early August, a group of about 1,100 woman became members of the WASPs, (Women's Airforce Service Pilots). These women would take the piloting jobs of men so they could go out to war. In order to be test pilots the women needed guts, and a lot of them. They went through struggles and accomplishments to serve their country. In doing so, they changed the way that women were

The WASPs always had a tough time. Even trying to become one had its own challenges. In a famous story, a woman by the name of Violet Cowden was encouraged by her brother, who was in the military, to join the WASPs because of her flight experience (itwdocproject). However, the WASPs had a height and weight restriction (Gibson 111). When she was weighed

in, she was 8 pounds too light and 2 inches too short (Gibson 111). She then pleaded for 2 more weeks to gain the weight (Gibson 111). Violet fluffed up her hair, put on a scarf, ate bananas, and drank water until the last minute, trying to gain the weight (Gibson 111). She did it! She gained the weight and she “gained” the height (Gibson 111).

Getting in was not the only difficult tasks. Finances were a challenge for many WASPs who came from varying backgrounds. The women did not get military benefits, forcing them to pay for flight classes, food and bedding (Aztec Media). Around 30 women died during their course and had to pay to get their bodies back home for burial (Aztec Media). Most families did not have enough money to bring their loved ones home so the other WASPs pitched in (Aztec Media).

The most serious or challenge for the WASP was mere survival. On two occasions the WASPs were possibly even sabotaged. They were doing test flights for the Air Force but before the actual flight, the plane would be examined (Carl 51). On the very first test a plane malfunctioned (Carl 51). Later, they found sugar in the plane’s fuel engine (Carl, 51). No authority spoke about it afterwards and the women were told to do the same (Carl 51). The second incident resulted in two deaths (Carl, 51). Not a single person informed the pilots that the latch on the cockpit door was broken (Carl, 51). The plane caught fire and the two young women died in the flames (Carl 51). From these two incidents the women became their own mechanics or the befriended the mechanics so the did not end up in the hospital or graveyard (Carl 51).

Even with their struggles, the WASPs succeeded in many things. In January of 1944, the US war department said that WASP’s accident rates were lower than men’s (Gibson 106). Though it may not seem like a lot, this proved that woman could could fly just as well as — or better than — men.

Even decades after the war, they were being recognized for their attributes during the war. In 1977 former President Jimmy Carter granted the woman military status (Gibson 116). Thus giving them the right for veterans benefits. A study was done after the war and they found that the woman had a lower attrition rate than the male pilots (WASPs Eye View). This also continued to prove that they were just as well as their fellow male pilots.

On July 1, 2009 President Barack Obama gave the WASPs the Congressional Gold medal (itowdocproject). That metal is awarded to those who made an impact on American history. The WASPs were very deserving of the precious metal.

Throughout the WASP’s journey, they had a of lot curve balls thrown their way. In the peek of their careers, a controversial test was conducted (Carl 83). The study attempted to demonstrate how a woman’s menstruation played an effect on her flying skills (Carl 83). The study was unnecessary. The needless study showed no correlation between the woman’s menstruation and their flying skills (Carl 83).

Another curve ball was the way that other male pilots viewed them.

One day, Ann Carl was flying a plane with an army general aboard (Carl 88). A storm started to brew and the general told Ann to fly between two clouds (Carl 88). It being Ann’s flight, she ignored him and landed the plane safely (Carl 88). They were then told of a plane that went in between the two clouds and crashed with no survivors (Carl 88). Without Ann’s smart thinking, they could have died.

When “scientific” studies and sound flight skills could not diminish their spirit,these “lady pilots” carried on. Their opponents would say “Real women don't have the strength to fly military airplanes” in an attempt to attack their femininity. But when these women would fly right in front of them (Carl 83). That brings up the question, “What is a real woman anyways?”

Despite the fact that they were granted military status in the late 70s their fight continues, not a single member of the WASPs have been buried at Arlington Cemetery (Weiner). There is less than 300 members left and their ashes are not permitted (Weiner). The WASPs worked just as hard as the men. These woman are still fighting for the right to be buried at a place with other

soldiers.

The WASPs did not join the unit seeking recognition or honor. They were low paid and did not receive benefits. They joined because they wanted to serve their country. They joined, forfeiting higher paying careers with less risk to their lives because they loved to fly. These qualities were the hallmark of the WASPs femininity.