WASP Programs Scheduled Thursday, Friday
July 27, 2016 - During World War II, members of the Women Airforce Service Pilots became the first women in history to fly American military aircraft. In fact, they flew every type of mission any Army Air Force male pilot flew except combat.
About 25,000 women applied to be a WASP, and 1,830 were accepted into training. But only 1,074 earned their wings and 38 died during training and support missions.
Four women of WASP are at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2016 and will share their stories.
Original members of WASP will talk about what it was like to train at Avenger Field and serve our country during World War II. The WASP panel discussion will be held from 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. tomorrow in the Skyscape Theater, located in the lobby of the EAA AirVenture Museum.
In addition:
- Steve Buss, vice president membership Commemorative Air Force, will talk to women of WASP live from the announcers’ stand on Friday. He will interview WASP Shirley Kruse at 10 a.m. and WASP Shutsy Reynolds at 10:15 a.m.
- Erin Miller, granddaughter to WASP Elaine Harmon, will discuss how she and others successfully led a grassroots campaign to ensure that all women of WASP are recognized as eligible for the purposes of inurnment at Arlington National Cemetery. Her presentation will be held from 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Friday at Forum Stage 4 in the Forums Plaza.
