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The Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) was a civilian organization whose members were United States federal civil service employees. Its trained pilots tested and ferried aircraft but had no military standing. Their purpose was to free male pilots for combat roles during World War II. Before the program was dissolved on December 20, 1944, the pilots flew over 60 million miles and transported every type of military aircraft. They simulated strafing missions, towed targets for live anti-aircraft gun practice and transported cargo. Thirty-eight WASP members died and one disappeared while on a ferry mission. In 1977, the WASP were granted military veteran status and, in 2009, awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.
This short film was part of the Army–Navy Screen Magazine series, directed by Frank Capra. It was intended to be viewed by "service men only", prior to a feature film.Film credit: United States Armed Forces