Danielle Garcia
Priscila Garcia
Annotated Bibliography
Primary Sources
Books
Haydu, Bernice "Bee" Letters Home 1944-1945 Women Airforce Service Pilots: Top Line Printing and Graphics, 2003. Print.
Bee's letters to her mom gave us a first-hand account of how a female pilot felt, leaving her family to train. Bee's letters tell of how her days were when she was training in Sweetwater, Texas. Bee was instrumental in the fight for the WASP to be recognized as veterans in the 1970's.
Gruhzit-Hoyt, Olga. "Part Seven: Women's Airforce Service Pilots." They Also Served: American Women in World War II. Secaucus, NJ: Carol Pub. Group, 1995. Print.
In this section of the book, Florene Miller discusses her experience as a service pilot in WWII. She gives information on how much they paid. Her story helped us with the "encounter" portion of our project.
Letters
McKeown, Harry. "Letter from B-29 Pilot from a USAF B-29 Pilot to a WASP Pilot." Letter to Dr. Struthers. 2 Aug. 1995. MS.
This letter was from a B-29 pilot who wanted to thank the WASP pilot for showing him that the B-29 was a "flyable" plane. This supported the information we have read about one of the types of planes the pilots flew. It also showed how it took many years for the pilots to be appreciated for their service.
Woodward, Inez. "Inez Woodward Woods Correspondence, February 1943-October 1944. Transcribed by Tanya Hartline." Letter. Feb. 1943-Oct.1944.
These 26 letters tell about Inez Woodward's experiences while training in Sweetwater, Texas.
Articles
Barakat, Matthew. "Families Fighting for Female WWII Pilots' Place in History." Houston Chronicle 2 Jan. 2016, Newsmakers sec.: A2. Print.
This article discusses the battle that WASP continue to fight for the right to have their cremated remains placed at Arlington Cemetery. We also got a contact name for from Texas Women's University.
Darr, Ann. "The Women Who Flew, But Kept Silent.” New York Times 7 May 1995, pages 70-71: ProQuest Historical Newspapers [ProQuest]. Web. 15 Dec. 2015.
This article was written by Ann Darr, a service pilot. She gives a first-hand account of her time as a pilot and the struggle that was taking place for the WASP to be recognized by the government as serving in the military.
"Flying for an Ally Suggested to WASPs." New York Times 24 Dec. 1944: 8. Web. 12 Dec. 2015.
This article helped realize the struggle that female pilots had after the WASP program ended. They still wanted to fly but were expected to go back to their daily lives, such as being a house wife. In this article, Cochran suggested that perhaps they could fly for our allies.
"Girl Pilots: Air Force Trains Them at Avenger Field, Texas." Life Magazine 19 July 1943: 73-81. Print.
This article gives a detailed account, along with photographs, of the WASP trainees at Avenger Field in Sweetwater, Texas. We learned more about how the trainees lived, trained and flew "the army way". We will incorporate many of these pictures on our exhibit.
Glosser, Sandra. "History Clips WASPs' Wings." Dallas Morning News 25 May 1974: 3. Readex. Web. 15 Dec. 2015.
This article discusses how the WASP came together for a reunion. We learned that 36 died during the war and that they were also responsible for training other pilots.
Grabel, Dan. "A Civilian Who Earned Her Wings in War: Civilian's Wings Earned in War." New York Times 4 Oct. 1998: WE1. ProQuest Historical Newspapers [ProQuest]. Web. 1 Dec. 2015.
This article gives the firsthand account of Ruth Kornblum, a WASP pilot. She tells about the wages they received and discusses the types of planes they ferried during the war. It also discusses the recognition the WASP finally received.
"It's a Woman's War Too." New York Times 21 Nov. 1943: ProQuest Historical Newspapers [ProQuest]. Web. 15 Dec. 2015.
This article discusses how the uniforms were chosen and provided more information on Jacqueline Cochran.
Miller, Bryan. "Woman Flier Leads New Battle." New York Times 30 Oct. 1977: 317. ProQuest Historical Newspapers [ProQuest]. Web. 15 Dec. 2015.
This article was about Bee Falk Haydu's battle to lead the way for the WASP to be recognized and to receive the benefits they were promised. This battle was taking place 30 years after the WASP program was ended. This showed another aspect of the problems they "encountered."
Parisi, Albert. "Memories of a Different Kind." New York Times 5 June 1994: 528. ProQuest Historical Newspapers [ProQuest]. Web. 5 Dec. 2015.
This article discusses the discrimination that female pilots faced as WASP. It also discusses the dangers they faced. This article helped us with the relating our topic to the "encounter" portion of this year's theme.
"Recognition for the WASPS." New York Times 16 June 1944: 18. ProQuest Historical Newspapers [ProQuest]. Web. 29 Nov. 2015.
This article discusses the WASP pursuit of being recognized by Congress and given military status. This helped with the “encounter” portion of the theme/exhibit.
Strong, Barbara. "Former WASP Asks for Benefits." Dallas Morning News 26 May 1977: 43. Readex. Web.
This article shows that Women Airforce Service Pilots were still fighting to be recognized as veterans more than 30 years later.
"The Women of the WASPs." Think Magazine 1946: Think Magazine. 2008. Web. 15 Dec. 2015. This article had the picture from Life Magazine on it that we want to use on our board. It explained what the WASP program was and discussed the help given by Jacqueline Cochran.
"These WASPS Are Ready to Take Over." New York Times 22 Jan. 1944: 10. ProQuest Historical Newspapers [ProQuest]. Web. 12 Dec. 2015.
This article reported on the completion of the nine-week training course for four of the WASP. It also reported on their preparations for a cross country flight. This article had a photograph that we would like to use.
"WASP Future Seen Uncertain." Dallas Morning News 1 Aug. 1947: 11. Print.
This article provided a quote from Jacqueline Cochran, who headed the Women's Airforce Service Pilots during World Ward II. She discusses the future of women in the air force and states that there are problems that need to be solved.
"Women Fliers Will Seek Benefits Given Veterans." Dallas Morning News 4 Feb. 1946: 9. Readex. Web. 10 Dec. 2015.
This article was about a state meeting that was to take place to discuss the establishment of benefits as veterans. This was just a year after the organization was disbanded.
Interviews
Anderson, Roby “WASP Homecoming Interview.” Personal Interview. 28 May 2016.
Ms. Anderson discussed her memories as a WASP test pilot when we attended the WASP Homecoming in Sweetwater, Texas. She was a test pilot for the WASP.
Bright, Nell. “WASP Homecoming Interview." Personal interview. 28 May 2016.
Ms. Bright sat down for interview with us during the WASP Homecoming in Sweetwater, Texas. Ms. Bright spoke about her favorite memories of being a WASP, such as her first night solo. Jackie Cochran interviewed Bright to be a WASP because Bright had learned how to fly before the war, had enough flight hours and had already attended college. When speaking of any prejudices she stated that the Tuskegee pilots had a much harder time than the women.
Crane, Marcia. “WASP Homecoming Interview." Personal interview. 28 May 2016.
Ms. Crane shared the few memories she had as a WASP trainee. She left the program before graduating because she got a job as animator for Disney.
Doyle, Mildred “Jane.” “WASP Homecoming Interview." Personal interview. 28 May. 2016.
Ms. Doyle discussed the rigorous training that the WASP received. “It was the same grind cadets experienced: primary, basic, advanced and ground school, where she learned regulations, physics and engine maintenance.”
Haydu, Bernice "Bee" "Letters Home." E-mail interview. 21 Dec. 2015.
We requested this interview with Bee Haydu, after reading her book "Letters Home." Mrs. Haydu discussed the rigor of training the "army way" and also gave advice on items to use on our exhibit.
Haydu, Bernice Falk. "Bernice Falk Haydu Collection (AFC/2001/001/15409)." Interview by Sheena Foster. Library of Congress. Veterans History Project, American Folklife Center, Web. 15 Dec. 2015.
This interview of "Bee" Haydu gave us more information on her experiences as a WASP to help us with our interview that we had. She also elaborates more on the struggle that they had to be considered part of the military in 1944, as well as in 1977.
Hilbrandt, Kay. “WASP Homecoming Interview." Personal interview. 28 May 2016.
Ms. Hilbrandt discussed what type of planes she flew such as the AT-6, PT-17 and BT-13. At Eagle Pass Air Force Base she became an instrumental trainer for “under the hood.”
Kruse, Shirley. “WASP Homecoming Interview." Personal interview. 28 May 2016.
Ms. Kruse was accepted into the class of 44W-6. After graduation she was sent to Bainbridge Air Base, Georgia, where she tested aircraft. During this time she encountered a few male pilots who occasionally made life miserable. She was sent back to Sweetwater, Texas to take an advanced instrument course.
Lucas, Dorothy. “WASP Homecoming Interview." Personal interview. 28 May 2016.
Ms. Lucas towed targets for training purposes. She flew the AT-6. She was in the WASP program from November 1943 to February 1944.
Mascott, Florence “WASP Homecoming Interview." Personal interview. 28 May 2016.
Ms. Macott discussed her time as a WASP trainee. She discussed how the pants didn’t fit women correctly and the conditions at Sweetwater, Texas, where they trained. She discussed how they found a snake under a cot one day. She left before graduating because she received a marriage proposal. She discussed the lasting friendships she made.
McCreery, Jean. “WASP Homecoming Interview." Personal interview. 28 May 2016.
Ms. McCreery flew AT-6, PT-17, AT-7, and the PT-19. She was only a WASP for ten days before the program was cancelled. She shared her memories as a young pilot right out of high school.
Parrish, Deanie. "WWII Female Pilot Tells Exhilarating Secret Stories of Wartime Exploits." Interview by Maggie Kennon. Family Security Matters. 6 June 2014. Web. 28 Dec. 2015. This interview with Deanie Parrish, a member of WASP, was helpful in preparing for the interview we had with her. She told of the dangers of towing targets for training. This also helped us with the "encounter" portion of our board.
Reynolds, Shutsy. “WASP Homecoming Interview." Personal interview. 28 May 2016.
Ms. Reynolds explained how she always wanted to learn how to fly as a little girl and was told that “girls don’t fly.” She was determined to enter the WASP program and wrote to Jackie Cochran weekly. She jokes that Cochran let her in the program just to “shut me up.” She entered the WASP program in December 7, 1942 and the program ended December 20, 1944.
White, Pauline “Polly.” “WASP Homecoming Interview.” Personal Interview. 28 May 2016.
When asked what she flew she said, “Anything they told me to do!” She served at a training base for Air Force Pilots at Foster Field in Victoria, Texas. She towed targets for aerial gunnery practice and ferryed VIP’s around, and she instructed men in instrument flying. She discussed problems she encountered with “guys” that didn’t like women pilots.
Wyall, Marty. “WASP Homecoming Interview.” Personal Interview. 28 May 2016.
Ms. Wyall was in the last WASP graduating class. She discussed her life after deactivation when she continued to be a pilot.
Young, Millicent “Millie.”“WASP Homecoming Interview.” Personal Interview. 28 May 2016.
She told us about towing aerial targets behind her plane for male student pilots to shoot at before heading overseas to fly in combat missions. She explained how chalk was used to mark where they shot. She said some women were shot down during these training exercises but she was not afraid because of the thrill of flying. She insisted that we needed to become pilots.
Wilkinson, Beverly. "Beverly Wilkinson: An Oral History/Interviewed by Tracey MacGowan." Interviewed by Tracey McGowan. 03 Oct. 2012: Print.
This oral history of Beverly Wilkinson gives a detailed account of her life before, during and after being a WASP.
Oral History Collection
Anita B. Bronken Matthew Collection (AFC/2001/001/79432), Veterans History Project, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress.
This interview of Anita Matthew, a member of WASP, provided us with insight on the ferrying program and the types of planes she flew.
Ann B. Carl Collection (AFC/2001/001/06517), Veterans History Project, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress
This interview of Ann Carl, a member of WASP, provided us with insight on the ferrying program and the types of planes she flew.
Annelle H. Henderson Bulecheck Collection (AFC/2001/001/08083), Veterans History Project, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress.
Annelle Bulechek explains the roles of Nancy Love, Eleanor Roosevelt, General Arnold and Jackie Cochran for establishing this program. She explains that 12,000 women applied. This helped us with the exchange and exploration portion of our exhibit.
Barbara Hart Kennedy Collection (AFC/2001/001/31769), Veterans History Project, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress.
Barbara Kennedy discusses how the men were unsure of accepting women as pilots but that many welcomed them. She discusses how she was stationed in one place as a test pilot. She discusses the danger of an inverted spin, her most frightening experience.
Barbara Jane Manchester Robinson Collection (AFC/2001/001/08513), Veterans History Project, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress.
This interview of Barbara Robinson, a member of WASP, provided us with insight on the WASP program.
Barbara Poole Shoemaker Collection (AFC/2001/001/15378), Veterans History Project, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress.
This interview of Barbara Shoemaker provided insight on the training and problems they encountered as WASP.
Beverly Jeanne Dietrich Wilkinson Collection (AFC/2001/001/64391), Veterans History Project, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress.
This interview with Beverly Wilkinson, a member of WASP, provided us with insight on her duties as a WASP.
Catherine V. Vail Bridge Collection (AFC/2001/001/34158), Veterans History Project, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress.
Catherine Bridge flew over 1,000 hours doing ferrying work all over the United States. She also discusses the disappointment when the WASP were disbanded.
Doris B. Nathan Collection (AFC/2001/001/46225), Veterans History Project, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress.
Doris Nathan’s discusses how she became part of the WASP. She was a teacher before she became a WASP. This helped us with the exchange portion of our board.