During World World II, in 1942, a group of women were trained to fly military aircrafts, so that the male pilots could be released for combat duties. Twenty-five thousand women sent in applications, wishing to join this new organization called the WASPS. One thousand eight hundred thirty were selected, and my grandmother Marion Mann was one of them. Her dream since childhood had been to be a pilot. But only being 5’1′, 100 pounds, and having a slight hearing loss, everyone was astonished when she announced she had been selected. Soon she was headed to Avenger Field in Sweetwater, Texas to begin her basic training.

History

WASP stands for Women Airforce Service Pilots. The WASPS tested aircrafts that had been repaired before the men were allowed to fly them again. In addition, they ferried new planes from factories to military bases. Perhaps the most dangerous job was towing targets for ground and air gunners to practice shooting. The gunners used live ammunition. The ladies served at more than 120 bases around the country.

“You ain’t big enough”

Because of my grandmother’s small stature, she was often teased. Once while she was climbing down from a P-39 a big, burly mechanic, who was new and had never seen her before, stood in awe. He stared as she descended from the cockpit with her parachute and pillows. Walking closer, he exclaimed, “My God, what is this country coming to? Sending little types like you out with these planes. You ain’t big enough to reach the instrument board let alone the pedals. And what are those pillows for, for goodness sake?”

Those pillows were what she called her “security blankets.” She sat on them to increase her height enabling her to reach the pedals. The teasing didn’t bother her’ she was known as a little spitfire. When male pilots poked fun, her standard reply was, “The WASP’s are flying P-39s and B-26 bombers because they still have bugs in them. Some of you don’t have the guts to fly them. The girls are taking all the chances.”

Almost Forgotten

Taking chances, they did, but sadly, the WASPS were not recognized as being a part of the military during their service. The program only lasted two years as the end of the war approached. Many of the women went back to their “normal” lives. However, some became pilots for small companies, as did my grandmother. The WASPS were almost forgotten and their records were sealed for thirty years.

But in 1976, the nest of WASPS became riled. The United States Air Force announced that they were going to admit women to their flying program, and it would be the first time that women would be allowed to fly their air crafts. Understandably, the remaining women of the WASPS were offended by this statement and united. They lobbied the US Congress to be militarized. Therefore, in 1977, President Carter granted them this status. Furthermore, in 2010, President Obama awarded the few surviving WASPS the Congressional Gold Medal. My grandmother Marion Mann was not present for this honor.

In 1946, a short time after her service,, she lost her life.  Marion worked for a civilian plane company and was delivering one of her favorites to an individual purchaser. On that flight, the plane went down. She died doing what she loved.

“Up there I am free. I am above the problems of terra firma. I am close to God. And the beauty from up there is unbelievable-the clouds, the sun, the stars, the moon and even lightening is awesomely beautiful.”–Marion G. Mann