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What does WASP stand for?
Women's Airforce Service Pilots.
In what year did the WASP program operate?
1943–1944
Who were the two women whose pilot training programs merged to form the WASP?
Nancy Harkness Love and Jacqueline Cochran.
Which woman served as the director of the WASP program?
Jacqueline Cochran.
Were WASPs considered members of the U.S. military during World War II?
No. They were civilian employees of the U.S. Army Air Forces.
How many WASPs died while serving?
38
Why was target towing dangerous?
WASPs flew aircraft towing targets while anti-aircraft gunners fired live ammunition near them during training.
What stereotypes did WASPs overcome?
That women lacked the skill, judgment, endurance, or courage to fly military aircraft.
Why did some male pilots oppose the program?
Some believed flying military aircraft should be reserved for men, while others feared the program threatened pilot jobs after the war.
When were WASPs recognized as veterans?
1977
What honor did WASPs receive in 2009?
The Congressional Gold Medal (awarded in 2010 following legislation passed in 2009).
What law granted veteran status?
The GI Improvement Act of 1977 (Public Law 95-202)
How did civilian status affect WASPs?
They received no veteran benefits, military insurance, or official recognition for decades.
What aircraft were they qualified to fly?
Everything from primary trainers to advanced fighters like the P-51 Mustang, P-47 Thunderbolt, P-39 Airacobra, B-17 Flying Fortress, and B-26 Marauder.
What years did the Tuskegee Airmen operate?
1941-1946
Who were the Tuskegee Airmen?
How many sorties did the Tuskegee Airmen fly in WWII?
Flew more than 15,000 combat sorties in WWII.
The Wright brothers demonstrated their airplane to the U.S. Army Signal Corps in what year?
1909
When is the Air Force's birthday?
July 26, 1947
First airman to posthumously receive the Air Force Cross and Medal of honor?
William Pitensbarger
What military training exercise started in 1975, revolutionized USAF training and is still conducted today
Red Flag
What showcased the new F-117 Nighthawk and USAF airpower by ending Panamanian resistance led by Manuel Noriega on 3 Jan 1990
Operation Just Cause
What President and Executive Order abolished racial discrimination and discrimination and segregation in the USAF?
1941 Roosevelt signed Exec order 8802 - 1948 Truman signed 9981 to abolish discrimination and end segregation
Which operation eclipsed the Berlin Airlift as the greatest air deployment in history, which culminated in over 20,500 airlift missions, deliver of over 534,000 personnel and 542,000 tons of cargo?
Desert Shield
Who became the first and only enlisted female pilot?
Courtney Farley