Rise Above: WASP

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Rise Above: WASP

CAF RISE ABOVE: WASP is dedicated to honoring the WASP of World War II for their courage and determination to serve our country. The CAF RISE ABOVE educational outreach program shares this story with others to inspire them to rise above their own obstacles. The program brings the remarkable history and legacy of the WASP to new audiences of all ages across the country to demonstrate that, in the face of any adversity, one can be successful if they respond to challenges with courage, intelligence and perseverance.

This group of heroic Americans exhibited tremendous bravery and determination in the face of many who felt women could not do what was then considered a man’s job. Despite the obstacles and disapproval of others, these women forged ahead and served with tremendous distinction in the U.S. Army Air Corp.

We invite you take a deeper dive to learn more about the remarkable WASPs, and be inspired to tap into the ability within yourself to overcome barriers and find success.

Unless noted otherwise, archive images courtesy of The WASP Archive, The TWU Libraries’ Woman’s Collection, Texas Woman’s University, Denton, Texas

The CAF WASP Squadron

In addition to CAF RISE ABOVE WASP, the CAF has a separate squadron that honors the WASP.

The Squadron operates the AT-6 “Nella”. She appears with the AirPower History Tour, WASP Homecoming, selected events, offers rides as well as training time for those qualified. The Squadron Education efforts involve classes as well as event appearances, following a specified Curriculum based on the SPUNKY guidelines for success.

For details of the CAF WASP Squadron, please visit: CAFWaspSquadron.org

WASP Profiles

Betty Huyler Gillies

Betty Huyler Gillies January 1, 1908 – October 14, 1998 Class: WAFS “The Originals” Planes flown: PT-19, AT-6, A-20, B-17 BT-13, P-61, P-39 Training Location: New Castle Army Air Base (Wilmington, Del.) Assigned Bases: New Castle Army Air Base (Wilmington,

Gertrude Tompkins Silver

Gertrude Tompkins Silver October 16, 1911 – disappeared October 26, 1944 Class 43-W-7 Planes flown: AT-6, AT-17, UC-78 Gertrude Tompkins Silver was the only WASP listed as MIA (Missing in Action) during WWII. Gertrude Vreeland Tompkins was born October 16,

Margaret June “Peggy” Seip

Margaret June “Peggy” Seip June 24, 1916 – August 30, 1943 Class 43-W-5 Margaret Seip was among the 38 WASP killed in plane crashes. She’s the only WASP casualty from Wisconsin. Margaret was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the daughter of

Mabel Virginia Rawlinson

Mabel Virginia Rawlinson March 19, 1917 – August 23, 1943 Class 43-W-3 Planes flown: A-24 Assigned bases: New Castle Army Air Base (Wilmington, Del. Mabel Rawlinson was one of the 38 WASP who would die during the war, many from

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