Clipped Wings

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During World War II, all military branches had women's auxiliaries, but only the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) program consisted entirely of women undertaking perilous missions traditionally associated with men. The pilot was seen as the most glamorous and elite serviceman, and "flyboys" embodied this daring image. The WASPs directly challenged male supremacy by flying advanced fighter planes, test-piloting experimental models, and aiding in weapon system development. However, they were the only women's auxiliary not granted military status during the war. In "Clipped Wings," Molly Merryman utilizes declassified military documents, congressional records, and interviews with WASPs to trace the history of over a thousand women who flew military planes. She explores the social pressures that led to their disbandment in 1944, despite ongoing wartime needs, and documents their eventual success in 1977 in gaining military status and veterans benefits. In the preface of this reissued edition, Merryman reflects on the advancements in women's aviation, highlighting NASA's Artemis program and the inclusion of diverse pilot recruits. This updated narrative reveals ongoing battles for recognition and equality. Ultimately, the story of the WASPs transcends aviation; it embodies persistence and remarkable achievement, establishing a model for equality in the face of adversity.