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Eleanor Brown
Dec. 2, 1982
Comm. 550
Heinold
p
A Question of Equity:
The WASP in World War II
December 20, 1944 is not a date which stands out in history, but for
one group of women the date will never be forgotten. On that day, they
packed their few belongings into footlockers, duffle bags, and suitcases,
and headed home. Their emotions ranged through anger, bitterness, sorrow,
and bewilderment as they sought passage on trains and buses which were
overcrowded with wartime travelers. The war still raged in both the Euro-
pean and Pacific theaters, and the women had proved their ability in ser-
vice to their country. Nevertheless, on that date the Women's Airforce
Service Pilots (WASP) was deactivated. The War Department released a
statement that the decision was based on the success of allied troops,
which was turning the tide of the war, and the indication that the supply
of male pilots was now adequately Not everyone agreed. Indeed, many felt
that Congressional failure to militarize this corps of women was the true
reason for the deactivation. They also felt that Congressional failure to
grant military status to the WASP was unjustified.
In the 1940's, the prevailing point of view was that a woman's place
was in the home. This wasn't a view held solely by men; most women were
in agreement. Even though women were employed in many occupations previ-
ously open only to men, their presence was tolerated because there was no
other recourse. It was wartime. There were few men available to fill the
jobs. Most of the young and able had enlisted, orAbeen drafted into the
military services. It was believed to be patriotic for the young and able-
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Brown, Eleanor. A Question of Equity: The WASP in World War II, paper, December 2, 1982; (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth908307/m1/1/?q=%22%22~1: accessed June 23, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu.; crediting National WASP WWII Museum.