03/16/2026
WOMEN AT WAR
When the United States entered World War II in December 1941, it became apparent to aviatrix Jacqueline Cochran that the US Army Air Forces (AAF) were going to require a lot more pilots. In 1942, she submitted a proposal to the AAF, suggesting the inclusion of women pilots in noncombat roles.
Cochran's vision entailed using women to ferry aircraft within the United States. Initially, General Henry H. Arnold rejected her recommendation, but as a shortage of male pilots emerged, it was later approved.
Jackie traveled to larger cities nationwide to gather the names of interested women aged 21 to 35, who were over 5'4" tall and held a high school diploma. Over 25,000 women applied to join the war effort; only 1,830 were accepted, and from that group, 1,074 earned their wings.
During the war, these highly trained women tested, flew, and ferried 12,650 aircraft over 60 million miles as WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) under Cochran's leadership as AAF Director.
MILITARY STATUS DENIED
From the beginning of the WASP program, Cochran and her colleagues believed they would obtain official military status. Throughout 1943 and 1944, Cochran advocated for the militarization of the WASP pilots and recommended to General Arnold that military status should be granted, or the program should be discontinued entirely.
Cochran argued that their current classification as uniformed civilian employees was unsatisfactory, denied them military benefits, and since they flew military aircraft and were subject to military discipline, they needed official military standing for proper command.
In June 1944, a bill (HR 4219) aimed at militarizing the WASP was introduced but was defeated by 19 votes in the House of Representatives. The House Civil Service Committee issued a report opposing the measure. Due to changes in the war situation, it was determined that the WASP program was no longer necessary, leading to a recommendation for its termination.
DEACTIVATED
Letter to Jacqueline Cochran, WASP Director:
"In bringing to a close this important program of the Army Air Forces, I wish to express my appreciation to you for your resourceful, imaginative, and tireless work. The success of the WASP Program is due in large measure to your contribution as its director."
H.H. Arnold
General, U.S. Army
Commanding General, Army Air Force
Due to political pressures and the growing availability of male pilots, the WASP was disbanded effective December 20, 1944, without acquiring military status or veteran benefits. It took 33 years to rectify this issue when President Jimmy Carter signed legislation in 1977 granting the former WASP full veteran status.
On July 1, 2009, President Barack Obama signed Public Law 111-40, which authorized the Congressional Gold Medal for the WASP pilots in acknowledgment of their pioneering military service during WWII.
A NICE PLACE TO RELAX
From 1942 to 1945, the WASP pilots were invited to the Cochran-Odlum Ranch, a tranquil setting that provided a relaxed atmosphere for the women to enjoy leisure time and sunbathe by the pool.
On March 16, 1946, 80 years ago today, ex-General Henry "Hap" Arnold, the wartime commander of the Army Air Forces, visited the Cochran-Odlum Ranch near Indio, CA, for three days. He was accompanied by his executive officer, Col. Emmett McCabe. The general, recently retired from the army, was dressed in m***i while he relaxed at the ranch.
(M***i clothes, or simply "m***i," are ordinary, casual clothes worn by individuals who typically wear uniforms, such as military personnel.)
Throughout the 1980s, the Southern California chapter of the WASP met at Indian Palms Country Club, Jacqueline Cochran's former home, establishing a December tradition that lasted over a decade.
PHOTO CAPTION
General Henry "Hap" Arnold presents Jacqueline Cochran with the Distinguished Service Medal in December 1945.
