[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 91 (Wednesday, June 17, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1471]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING WOMEN AIR SERVICE PILOTS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 17, 2009

  Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my support for 
legislation recognizing the Women Air Service Pilots with a 
Congressional Gold Medal. These brave women served the nation at a 
pivotal moment in our history. I'm proud that we in Congress have 
finally commended them for their pioneering spirit and selfless 
dedication during World War II.
  The Women Air Service Pilots, commonly known as WASP, were the first 
women in history authorized to fly American military aircraft. These 
courageous women volunteered to fly noncombat missions so that every 
available male pilot could be deployed into combat, contributing to the 
successful completion of U.S. Air force missions in the South Pacific 
and on the Western Front.
  After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, WASPs used their well-honed skills 
to dutifully service military aircraft, providing the U.S. Army Air 
force with a invaluable assistance. Thanks to their rigorous training, 
by 1944 the WASP had flown every aircraft in the army's inventory--
including P-59 jet fighters. The WASP flew searchlight tracking 
missions, ferried and tested planes, performed flight checks, towed 
targets for anti-aircraft gunnery practice, and instructed male pilot 
cadets, in addition to performing several other valuable tasks.
  While more than 25,000 women applied for WASP training, only 1,879 
candidates were accepted. Of these, only 1,074 successfully completed 
the grueling program at Avenger Field, the nation's largest all-female 
air base. Though WASP participants underwent the same vigorous training 
as male cadets, these dedicated individuals were refused recognition as 
a women's service within the U.S. Army Air Force and were denied 
veterans' benefits for over 30 years, finally gaining full recognition 
in 1977.
  I'm honored to represent five former Women Air Service Pilots who 
reside in my Congressional District: Eileen W. Ferguson, Geraldine F. 
Olinger, Alyce S. Rohrer, Margaret M. Weiss, and Lillian G. Wray. These 
pioneering women answered the call of duty with enthusiasm and vigor, 
offering their great skills in service of our nation. I thank you for 
your service and congratulate you on your long overdue honor.

                          ____________________