WWII Women Pilots in Photos

Archives serve an incredibly valuable function for historical interpretation. Photographic archives, in particular, present a unique visual reading of the past, and they are a vital resource in the early stages of gallery formation.

Original photo caption: "WASP Ann McClellan adjusts her earphones in the cockpit of a BT-13 while Anne Johnson stands on the wing of the plane."

The United States Air Force Collection, now at the National Archives and Records Administration at College Park, Maryland, contains a range of color transparencies featuring the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP).

Founded in 1943 with the merging of the Women Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS) and the Women’s Flying Training Detachment (WFTD), the WASPs flew 60 million miles during World War II, piloting military aircraft on domestic missions.

Original photo caption: "WASPS and instructor having a talk before take-off for a ferrying mission."

Their director, Jacqueline Cochran, became the first female aviator to break the sound barrier in 1953.

Though they performed a wide variety of tasks, the Women Airforce Service Pilots often carried out ferrying missions to transport aircraft for the war effort.

Original photo caption: "WAFs and Army Pilot. The girls pilot the P-51s and other airplanes from factory to airbases within the United States."

WASPs flew the entire range of aircraft manufactured for World War II. In this series, we see P-51s, a P-38, and a BT-13.

Original photo caption: "Pilot in Women’s Air Service prior to take-off."

The WASPs were disbanded in 1944, and it would be an additional 30 years before women would once again serve as aviators in the United States Armed Forces.

Original photo caption: "Swinging down along the ramp at the AAF’s Training Command’s Advanced single engine pilot school at Foster Field, Victoria, Texas, are eight feminine pilots, members of the AF WASP. Left to right: Pauline S. Cutler of Cleveland, Ohio,; Dorothy Ehrhardt, Bridgewater, Mass.; Jennie M. Hill of Harvey, Ill.; Etta Mae Hollinger, Paola, Kans.; Lucille R. Cary, Joliet, Ill.; Jane B. Shirley, Brownfield Tex.; Dorothy H. Beard, Sacramento, Calif.; and Kathryn L. Boyd, Weatherford, Texas"

Reflecting on the 75 years since the founding of the WASP, these archival images provide a stark reminder of the pioneering efforts and achievements of female military aviators during World War II.

Original photo caption: "WASP climbing into a Lockheed P-38 preparatory to ferrying mission."

Such sources allow us to critically analyze the past, the creation of the historical record, and their importance to our cultural memory.

Original photo caption: "WAFs who ferry North American P-51’s and other types of airplanes from factory to airbases. Barbara Jane Erickson, in cockpit, and Evelyn Sharp, both of Seattle, Washington."