A Moment in Air Force History

What organization was established by Army Air Force Regulation 20-8 Aug. 4, 1943?

A. General Headquarters Air Force
B. Women Air Force Service Pilots
C. The 99th Pursuit Squadron

Answer: B. The Women Air Force Service Pilots organization was formed by the merger of the Women’s Flying Training Detachment and the Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron. Jacqueline Cochran directed the WASPs. These women flew new aircraft from the factory to point of embarkation, taught flight instruction, did flight testing, flew radio controlled aircraft and anti-aircraft tow targets. They flew every aircraft in the Army’s arsenal. Their work allowed more men to be released for combat duty. Of the 1,830 women accepted, 1,074 graduated training. Of these, 38 died while flying for the U.S. Army and Air Force. Discontinued Dec. 20, 1944, its members first received military service status as a result of legislation signed by President Jimmy Carter Nov. 3, 1977.

Did You Know? General Headquarters Air Force was established March 1, 1935. And the 99th Pursuit Squadron was established March 22, 1941.

(Courtesy of 435th Air Base Wing and 86th Airlift Wing History offices)