The Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) was a civilian women pilots' organization, whose members were United States federal civil service employees. Members of WASP became trained pilots who tested aircraft, ferried aircraft and trained other pilots. Their purpose was to free male pilots for combat roles during World War II. Despite various members of the armed forces being involved in the creation of the program, the WASP and its members had no military standing.
The WASP badge
Elizabeth L. Gardner, WASP member, at the controls of a B-26 Marauder
Women's Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS) pilots, March 7, 1943
Fifinella, the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) mascot, created by The Walt Disney Company.
Robert Olds was a general officer in the United States Army Air Forces, theorist of strategic air power, and proponent of an independent United States Air Force. Olds is best known today as the father of Brig. Gen. Robin Olds, a "triple ace" fighter pilot of World War II and the Vietnam War.
Boeing YB-17 of 2nd BG, 1937