Rise Above: WASP

You are here:

Home
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

Gertrude Meserve Tubbs LeValley

Gertrude Meserve Tubbs LeValley April 28, 1920 – August 13, 2015 Class WAFS, The Originals Planes flown: L-4, PT-19, PT-26, AT-6, AT-9, C-60, P-39, P-40, P-47, P-51 Training Location: New Castle Army Air Base (Wilmington, Del.) Assigned bases: New Castle

Helen McGilvery

Helen Elizabeth McGilvery May 17, 1917 – August 25, 1948 Class: WAFS Training Location: New Castle Army Air Base (Wilmington, Del.) Planes flown: PT-19, PT-26, BT-13, AT-6, AT-17, AT-9, C-60, P-38, P-40, P-47, P-51 Assigned bases: New Castle Army Air

Helen Richey

Helen Richey November 21, 1909 – January 7, 1947 Class: 43-W-5 Training Location: Avenger Field (Sweetwater, Tex.) Planes flown: PT-19, BT-15, B-25, C-47 Assigned bases: New Castle Army Air Base (Wilmington, Del.) and Fairfax Army Air Field (Kansas City, Kan.)

Elizabeth Whitlow Smith

Elizabeth “Betty” Whitlow Smith December 29, 1920 -June 16, 2011 Class: 43-W-2 Training Location: Houston Municipal Airport (Tex.) Planes flown: B-24, P-40, P-47, P-51,, PT-19, BT-15, AT-6, PT-17, A-24 Assigned bases: Love Field (Dallas, Tex.) “Having friends and a belief

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay Up To Date

[]

1 Step 1

Previous

Next

X