Learn about World War II WASPs at St. Charles library program Dec. 11

These four female pilots leaving their ship, Pistol Packin' Mama, at the four engine school at Lockbourne AAF, Ohio, are members of a group of Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPS) who have been trained to ferry the B-17 Flying Fortresses. From left, Frances Green, Margaret (Peg) Kirchner, Ann Waldner and Blanche Osborn. Courtesy of U.S. Air Force

Posted November 30, 2024 12:09 am

By Denise Blaszynski, St. Charles Public Library

In 1942, the United States faced a severe shortage of pilots, and leaders gambled on an experimental program to help fill the void by training women to fly military aircraft so male pilots could be released for combat duty overseas.

Join Rebecca Tulloch, a certified FAA pilot, as she tells the story of the “Fly Girls of World War II” and their role in the war effort at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, in the Huntley Community Room, located on the main level of the library, 1 S. Sixth Ave.

Over 1,100 women served their country during World War II as members of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) flying every military aircraft flown by the American Forces from the PT-17 Stearman to the P51 Mustang and B-17 Flying Fortress.

Air ferry missions, target practice for artillery crews, and aircraft maintenance shakedown flights were just a few of the missions these American heroines fly.

For more information or registration, visit scpld.libnet.info/event/11861036 or call (630) 584-0076.

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