Letters Home 1944-1945
World War II was raging. Pilots were needed—but women military pilots? The Army Air Force was not sure. Nevertheless, the first corps of women to fly for the Air Forces was formed. These pioneers were known as the WASP—Women Airforce Service Pilots. This book is about one of the WASP and her determination to remain a pilot throughout her life. During training and active duty, she wrote home on a regular basis with detailed descriptions of her life in the Air Force. She also describes the many other flying experiences she had as a civilian pilot.
Bernice Falk was one of 1074 WASP who graduated from cadet training. Her mother saved the letters she wrote home as well as those from her brother, Lloyd, who served in Europe. Having been promised military status should the WASP program prove successful—which it was—the WASP were crest-fallen when told the program was to be disbanded on December 20, 1944 (the result of adverse and incorrect information given to members of Congress). Her subsequent marriage to Joe Haydu, a World War II flight instructor, and their flying experiences make for fascinating reading.
On the Cover
The cover of her book features Fifinella, the good luck lady gremlin designed by Walt Disney for the WASP. She rode the wingtips of the hundreds of women pilots who flew alongside their brother airmen as part of America’s air armada of World War II.
Special wings were designed for the WASP—also pictured on the cover. The lozenge (diamond) in the center of the wing is the Greek symbol for Athena, the goddess of wisdom and warfare. The male pilots had a shield in the center of their wings, the Greek symbol of manhood.
About the Author
|