Women As Aviators
"The Women Airforce Service Pilots courageously answered their country’s call in a time of need while blazing a trail for the brave women who have given and continue to give so much in service to this nation since. Every American should be grateful for their service, and I am honored to sign this bill to finally give them some of the hard-earned recognition they deserve." - President Barack Obama
Jacqueline showed exceptional leadership throughout her journey participating in the war. She started WASP, lead the women aviators in training and was the first woman to begin a program that allowed women to engage in the military. She persevered through tough times when her cause was not taken seriously.
"...they can handle our fastest fighters, our heaviest bombers-they are capable of ferrying, target-towing, flying training, test flying and countless other activities." -General Hap Arnold A brief description of Jackie during WWII
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Eleanor Roosevelt wrote in a newspaper article that women were “a weapon waiting to be used.” Not only did they do their jobs well, but “women sometimes did a better job than their male counterparts.” Their constant outstanding performances convinced the military to have women continue to fly even larger planes. During the WASP graduation ceremony, General Arnold admitted that he doubted women were able to handle such a job. “Now in 1944, it is on the record that women can fly as well as men.” -General Henry Arnold.
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Jacqueline Cochran refused to be held back by the limitations of people like General Henry Arnold. He questioned if, “a slip of a girl could fight the controls of a B-17 in heavy weather”. However, safety records proved that women were more reliable pilots, so men started training with the WASP.
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