Women Pilots Of World War II

By Wendy Cole
Foreword by Dora Dougherty Strother

Jean Hascall Cole’s interviews with her fellow classmates documents their valuable contribution to the history of women, aviation, and the military. Women Pilots of World War II presents a rare look at the personal experiences of the Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASPs) by recording the adventures of one of eighteen classes of women to graduate from the Army Air Forces flight training school during World War II. This unique oral history verifies and shines a long-overdue spotlight on the flying accomplishments of these remarkable women.

Jean Hascall Cole, until her retirement in 1979, was editor for Research News in the Graduate College at Arizona State University. She has a B.A. and M.A. in English from Arizona State University and is a member of the Women's Air Force Service Pilots.

Table of Contents:

Foreword
Acknowledgments
Introduction
1. How It Began
2. Avenger Field and Primary Training
3. Ground School and Basic Training
4. Instrument Training and Link
5. Cross-Country and Advanced Training
6. B-26 School
7. Other Bases, Other Planes
8. Test Pilots and Ferry Pilots
9. Pursuit Pilots and Bomber Pilots
10. Deactivation and Beyond
Epilogue
Glossary
Index

Praise and Reviews:

"Absorbing, well written, and a pleasure to read."—Library Journal

"[A] celebration of vitality and courage."—The Women's Review of Books

"Clearly written and a pleasure to read.... Cole maintains a historical context while relating the stories of these courageous pilots."—Military Review

“By detailing the background of each woman, telling who she was, how she came to aviation and to the WASPs, Cole has provided a valuable portrait of a unique historic group. A pleasure to read.”—South Dakota History

“Like a beautiful patchwork quilt, Jean [Cole]’s book combines many bits and pieces into a lovely pattern alike with vibrant colors.”—WASP News

“Enriched by many humorous anecdotes. The book captures the overwhelming energy and dedication of these women who were truly pioneers of their time.”—Texas Books in Review