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 WASP, 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

Nancy Nordhoff Dunnam

Nancy Nordhoff Dunnam April 16, 1923 ~ March 12, 2017 Class: 44-W-7 Training Location: Avenger Field (Sweetwater, Tex.) Assigned Bases: Moore Army Air Base (Mission, Tex.) Planes flown: PT-17, BT-13, AT-6, C-45, UC-78 Nancy Anne Boyns Nordhoff was born in

Rose Palmer

Rose Alice Palmer September 30, 1921- April 1, 2008 Class: 44-W-6 Training Location: Avenger Field (Sweetwater, Tex.) Assigned Bases: Courtland Army Air Field (Ala.) and Buckingham Army Air Field (Fort Myers, Fla.) Planes flown: PT-17, BT-13, UC-78, AT-6, B-17, B-24,

Dorothy Olsen

Dorothy Eleanor Olsen (née Kocher July 10, 1916 – July 23, 2019 Class: W-43-4 Training Location: Houston Municipal Airport (Tex.) and Avenger Field (Sweetwater, Tex.) Assigned Bases: Long Beach Army Air Base (Calif.) Planes flown: B-13, PT-19, UC-78 As a WASP, Dorothy

Jean Downey Harman

Jean Downey Harman 1924 – January 21, 2023 Class: 44-W-9 Graduated: November 8, 1944 Training Location: Avenger Field (Sweetwater, Tex.) Assigned Bases: Marana Army Air Field (Ariz.) Planes flown: PT-17 and BT-13 “I was very interested in aviation. In those

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