Over 60 years ago when the U.S. faced a severe shortage of combat pilots to serve in World War II, a group of incredible women stepped up to help. These “fly girls” flew light trainers, heavy four-engine bombers, transport aircraft and fighters – virtually every type of Air Force aircraft there was – on missions all around the United States to free up male pilots needed in the war overseas. They were the first women in history to fly American military aircraft and broke ground for female pilots who would later join the ranks of the U.S. Air Force. The Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASP) program was one of the best kept secrets of World War II. WASPs are still unknown to most Americans today, but in the summer of 2009 they gained some hard-earned recognition when President Barack Obama signed into a law a bill that awarded them the Congressional Gold Medal

Over 60 years ago when the U.S. faced a severe shortage of combat pilots to serve in World War II, a group of incredible women stepped up to help. These “fly girls” flew light trainers, heavy four-engine bombers, transport aircraft and fighters – virtually every type of Air Force aircraft there was – on missions all around the United States to free up male pilots needed in the war overseas. They were the first women in history to fly American military aircraft and broke ground for female pilots who would later join the ranks of the U.S. Air Force. The Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASP) program was one of the best kept secrets of World War II. WASPs are still unknown to most Americans today, but in the summer of 2009 they gained some hard-earned recognition when President Barack Obama signed into a law a bill that awarded them the Congressional Gold Medal