Denton, Texas -- – They flew thousands of critical missions in support of U.S. troops during World War II, then for decades were largely forgotten until the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) were finally given veteran status in the 1970s.
On Dec. 16, during halftime activities of this year’s Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl in Shreveport, Louisiana, members of this elite group of female pilots will be honored with the Omar N. Bradley Spirit of Independence Award. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. Central Time.
Only 10 members of the WASP organization are living today, and several family members will be present to accept the honor.
During fan activities at 3:30 p.m. that day, an AT-6 affectionately referred to as Nella, in honor of the WASP pilots, will perform a flyover at the stadium.
“These amazing women did what they loved by stepping up to serve their country during a time of great need,” said Kimberly Johnson, director of Special Collections at Texas Woman’s University, where a permanent exhibit of the WASP is on display. “The WASP flew out of the blue and into history, making it possible for today’s women pilots to chart their own course. Their legacy of confidence, courage and commitment to our nation stands as a testament that inspires and motivates people of all ages.”
The WASP were a civilian organization of about 1,080 trained pilots who tested and ferried aircraft and trained other pilots during World War II. Although they did not fly in combat missions, their support allowed male pilots to be freed for combat during the war. Over 17 months, the WASP flew over 60 million miles, transported every type of military aircraft, towed targets for live anti-aircraft gun practice, simulated strafing missions and ferried cargo.
After the WASP disbanded in 1944, the group was mostly forgotten until a bill in 1977 was introduced into Congress that gave WASP pilots veteran status, making them eligible for benefits. Their highest honor came in 2009, when members were awarded the Congressional
Gold Medal. An archive of more than 1 million WASP-related artifacts are part of a permanent collection at the Blagg-Huey Library at Texas Woman’s University in Denton.
The Omar N. Bradley Spirit of Independence Award, named for the nation’s only living 5-star general at the time it was established in 1977, honors outstanding citizens or organizations that symbolize the spirit of freedom upon which the United States was founded.