Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP): America's First Women Military Pilots
Course | Available
Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) flew every type of mission any Air Force male pilot flew during WWII, except combat. They trained pilots, flew newly manufactured planes from factories to bases, flew damaged planes to repair facilities, conducted test flights, and shamed male pilots into flying the B29 when they felt it wasn't safe. Thirty-eight would die in accidents, one by sabotage. With records sealed until the 1970s, the contributions of these brave women were all but forgotten. They worked for more than thirty years to get the recognition they deserved.
Elizabeth Alger
Elizabeth (Liz) Alger holds a Master of Science in social work from Columbia University and a Master's in healthcare administration from Western Connecticut State University. She is a retired clinical social worker and healthcare administrator. A relative who served during WWII sparked her interest in its history and in particular historic military aircraft. Her interest led her to visit historic sights in England and France. She recently completed an Oxford World War II Conference at the University of Oxford. She has presented WASP history to local community groups and high school students.