[Resolution - Women Airforce Service Pilots Day #1] Page: 1 of 10
This legislative document is part of the collection entitled: National WASP WWII Museum and was provided to The Portal to Texas History by the National WASP WWII Museum.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
The State of Texas
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The National WASP World War II Museum in Sweetwater is
hosting WASP Homecoming 2012 on May 26, and this occasion provides a
fitting opportunity to acknowledge the rich history of the Women
Airforce Service Pilots and the valuable role these individuals
played at a crucial time in U.S. history; and
WHEREAS, In the months that followed the entrance of the United
States into World War II, the U.S. Army Air Forces faced a critical
shortage of pilots; to help address the problem, Jacqueline Cochran,
America's leading female aviator, convinced General Hap Arnold of the
USAAF that women pilots should be allowed to fly military aircraft on
noncombat stateside missions; and
WHEREAS, WASP training began in Houston in November 1942, and
the program was moved to Avenger Field in Sweetwater three months
later; the valiant individuals who answered the call to duty as WASP
pilots were the first women to fly U.S. military aircraft; after
undergoing seven months of instruction, they were stationed at
airbases throughout the country and completed such Army Air Forces
missions as transporting personnel and cargo, testing aircraft, and
assisting with training; and
WHEREAS, Ultimately, 1,074 women took the military officers'
oath as WASP pilots, and they were joined by 28 civilian flyers;
participants flew a total of more than 60 million miles in every type
of military aircraft, and 38 WASP members gave their lives in the
performance of their duties; despite their service, they received no
benefits and no commendations when the unit was disbanded in December
1944, and it was not until 1977 that they were awarded Congressional
Gold Medals; and
WHEREAS, Today, the inspiring story of the WASP aviators is
better known thanks to the dedicated work of the National WASP World
War II Museum; Homecoming 2012 is furthering that effort by welcoming
members of the unit back to Sweetwater and celebrating their legacy
with an honor parade and other special events; and
WHEREAS, When the fate of the nation hung in the balance, the
members of WASP not only made vital contributions to the war effort,
but also served as remarkable pioneers who helped women to attain
greater prominence in aviation and in the armed forces, and it is a
pleasure to salute the accomplishments of these courageous flygirls;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That May 26, 2012, be recognized as Women Airforce
Service Pilots Day and that all those taking part in the National WASP
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This document can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Legislative Document.
[Resolution - Women Airforce Service Pilots Day #1], legislative document, May 2012; (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth907432/m1/1/: accessed June 7, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu.; crediting National WASP WWII Museum.