Born to Fly: The True Story About Women in the United States Air Force

MOST OF US have heard stories of World War II, passed down from relatives, read about in history books, or witnessed via documentary films. In my opinion, a tragic element of war is that the “individual” gets lost in the big picture of statistics. Big battles and the General’s that won or lost them tend to get all the glory. With only a few individual efforts—even if they were integral in helping to influence the result—receive a passing nod.

World War II is history’s darkest time. But it was also a time of tremendous courage, sacrifice, and innovation—all because of individual efforts that contributed to the whole. Chapters of history, yet to be written have been secreted away. They are skeletons in the closet—classified and sealed in government offices around the world. Scrutiny and public debate are a global military no-no. Because of this type of maniacal paranoia incredible tales about individuals that deserve more than a pat on the back are waiting for full disclosure.

This story is about one of the biggest secrets the United States Air Force tried to keep. It is a story about a group of women. Trailblazing feminists who, just like a shooting star, illuminated World War II in a most remarkable, albeit brief way.

A collective of women who violated all kinds of unwritten rules, rules that kept women in subservient roles. An elite group of women who shattered the myth that women shine only in the domestic arena. Women who took to the sky and broke through the sexist barrier that existed in the armed forces in the early years of the 1940’s. The first women who were trained to fly American Military Aircraft. These pioneering women and their service during World War II almost didn’t make it into our history books. They are the  Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASP).

I had the pleasure recently of being introduced to Kathleen “Kay” Hilbrandt. She is a young 91-year-old firecracker and one of the few remaining WASP’s alive today—a legend. Vibrant, inquisitive, funny and with a memory like a steel trap, I will always cherish our conversation. Her story is a fantastic tale of persistence.

Her story—their story made history.

I am neither a war historian nor am I a historical journalist. And, I will say that I have never had much of an interest in that brutal time of history. I was taught the basics, just like most of America, but my interest piqued after speaking with Kathleen.

The following information is what she shared with me. While the facts are readily available on the internet, Kathleen’s personal perspective is not.

A brief history of WASP:

It was during the summer of 1941 when two pioneering and famous female pilots, Jacqueline “Jackie” Cochran and Nancy Harkness Love independently proposed that the US military should accept female pilots.

General Henry H. “Hap” Arnold, the commander of the USAAF, had turned down both proposals even though they had a powerful ally in Eleanor Roosevelt. He promised to revisit the idea, of having female pilots, in the future if there was a dire need for their help.

The toll on lives in World War II in Europe demanded attention. U.S. Army Air Forces scrambled to get their hands on as many pilots as possible. In the summer of 1942, General Arnold gave his blessing and full endorsement and female pilots were allowed to fly for the USAAF. Both Ms. Cochran and Ms. Love began training female pilots.

Ms.Cochran and General Arnold
Ms.Cochran and Gen.Arnold

The Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS) headed by Ms. Love started operations on September 10, 1942.

The 319th Women’s Flying Training Detachment (WFTD) directed by Ms. Cochran commenced operation on September 15, 1942.

Rivals, the two programs, and their respective leaders operated autonomously. The two groups existed without recognition of the other until 1943. After considerable pressure put forth by Ms. Cochran, a single entity (WASP) was finally activated to help supervise all of the women pilots.

Over 25,000 females sent in applications across the United States, with the desire to join this new paramilitary branch of the military. WASP was finally ready to fly with a total of 1,074 extraordinary women who made the cut.

Of those 1,074 female pilots that made up WASP, the majority were single white females—the exception being two Mexican American women, two Chinese American women, and one Native American woman. The sole African American female applicant was, unfortunately, rejected due to the racial inequity of the times.

Kathleen was one of the lucky ones to secure a spot.

America’s first Fly Girls were born.

 

WASPWISHINGWELL
WASP Pilots
Kathleen and the rest of the female pilots of WASP were a generation of brave ladies that helped change biased minds and politics. Inadvertently their courage inspired other women to follow whatever unique dream they had for themselves.

All of the Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASP) shared a tenacious desire to fly and to serve their country. After rigorous training, the women were dispatched across the country. Actively living and working with their male counterparts they called 120 military bases home. They were trained to fly all types of aircraft used by USAAF during WWII. The women performed duties such as towing targets for live anti-aircraft artillery practice and transporting cargo. By December 1944, WASP pilots successfully delivered over 12,000 aircraft comprised of 78 different models.

Legend has it that WASP pilots were braver than their male counterparts when it was time to test a new model, such as a rocket-propelled plane or jet-propelled aircraft. When the men scoffed, the women took over and showed them how it “was done.” During their years of service, 1942-1944 these commissioned officers acquired an impressive 60 Million Miles of flying time.

However, even with all their training, skills and help during WWII, the moment the war ended, WASP was disbanded, and all records of its existence were sealed. Shut down virtually overnight, the ladies were handed their discharge papers and told to “go home.”

“Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.” -William Congreve

After 35 years of silence, the women found themselves battling their former employer—the United States Government. Galvanized into action after the Airforce announced in the ’70s that “the first women to fly American Military Aircraft” were being accepted to train as pilots.

The WASP pilots wanted their contribution of VOLUNTEER service recognized. They wanted their benefits. And they wanted the world to know that they were the first female pilots that flew military aircraft in US history.

They faced opposition by most, if not all of the military elite and veteran’s groups. Finally on November 3, 1977, President Jimmy Carter signed Public Law 95-202, Title IV, which granted former WASPs veteran status.

In 1979, our heroines received honorable discharge papers and in 1984, the surviving WASP members received long overdue World War II Victory Medals.

Then, in 2009, President Obama gave the ladies the ultimate badge of respect when he signed a Senate bill into law that saw the surviving women pilots receive the Congressional Gold Medal—the highest civilian honor. This medal is bestowed when a person or persons “have performed an achievement that has an impact on American history and culture.”

Even though they amended history, there is still much more to the story. The women who changed the face of military service were a rare breed. They were avant-garde, gutsy and willing to give up their normal lifestyle.

How Kathleen became a Fly Girl:

Kathleen has generously shared with me her incredible timeline of life events, her photos, and a bit of girl talk.  I hope that I have done her story justice. Her hope is to inspire all women to continue reaching for their dreams, no matter what. 

Kathleen was born in 1924. She grew up in the shadow of World War I and felt the effects of the Great Depression during her childhood.

After she graduated from high school, she started taking flying lessons. The year was 1942; she was at the right place at the right time. Her destiny unfolded into a glorious story of courage and conviction.

JA: Who influenced your dream to become a pilot?  At that time weren’t most women expected to be “domestic goddesses” and mothers?
KH:
My father influenced me. He was born in Valley Stream, Long Island (The town where Amelia Earhart established her woman’s flying organization The Ninety Nines, Inc.) My father was an avid fan of aviation.   When I was two years old, he would take me to the airport with him.  We would spend hours watching planes take off and land. During my childhood and all through my school years, becoming a pilot was my dream.

Kathleen began to stretch her wings and take flight at the Staten Island Flying School.

When the Staten Island Flying School moved to Martina Creek Airport, PA, because of the war, Kathleen relocated. She worked in the office as a secretary and used part of her $15 a week salary to pay for her flight training. Originally WASP was looking for pilots with a minimum of 500 hours flight time. This requirement was lowered significantly because of the urgent need for airmen overseas.

While waiting for acceptance in WASP, Kathleen moved again. This time to Trenton, NJ. She worked as a mechanic preparing the Grumman TBM Avenger Bomber for the Navy, for its final test flight.

Avenger Bomber
Avenger Bomber

Finally on May 17, 1944, Kathleen was accepted into WASP. Just 20 years old and she had already acquired 85 hours of flying time. With her Pilot’s license in hand, Kathleen began training with WASP in Sweetwater, TX.

Kathleen Hilbrandt
Kathleen Hilbrandt
Kathleen Hilbrandt
Kathleen Hilbrandt
Graduating class WASP
Graduating class WASP

Learning to fly PT-17’s, BT-13’s, and AT-6’s proved not to be a problem. It was a dream come true. 

Eagle Pass Air Force Base was her next stop. It was there that she learned instrument training “under the hood.

WASPAvengerField
WASP Pilots Avenger Field

Our heroines flew as safety pilots for a brief, brilliant moment. They broke the glass ceiling when they took to the skies.

On December 20, 1944, WASP was deactivated.

JA: How did you feel when WASP dismantled?  What did you and your fellow pilots feel like when told you “officially” never existed?
KH: They [Military] promised us that when we became WASP we would become part of the Air Force. When the war was ending in 1944, they told us “We are not going to have WASP. We just need the men,” so they dropped us. We all volunteered to help our country. When they decided they did not need us anymore, they discarded us. We got nothing in return for our efforts, not even transportation home. It still upsets me to this day when I think about it.

JA: What did you do after the initial shock of the Air Force’s betrayal wore off?
KH: I got a job as a secretary at Bendix Aviation Corporation in Teterboro, New Jersey. I worked toward getting my flight instructors rating. I also joined the Ninety-Nines, the women’s pilot organization that was started by Amelia Earhart back in ’29.

JA: All the training and the hours of flying you did, were you able to instruct new pilots?
KH: I was a private pilot, then a commercial pilot. I could fly other people but not to teach them. That is why I  had to go back and continue my aviation education, for my instructor’s rating.

When she finally obtained her Flight Instructors License, Kathleen went to work at Lambros Seaplane Base in Ridgefield Park, NJ.  She taught Veterans to fly under the G.I. Bill of Rights until 1948. 

KH:  I was paid by the hour, to teach the Veterans to fly. Three years later I went back to Bendix Aviation, where I started working with them as a clerk. A few years later, I became an executive secretary. I worked for Bendix Aviation for 33 years. During all of that time, I continued to fly. I never gave it up.

JA: What about family? Did you get married and have kids?
KH: No, I never married. I did not have time.

The sixties saw Kathleen as busy as ever. She competed in the AWTAR (All Women Transcontinental Air Race) flying a Cessna 172. She became the Governor of the New York-New Jersey section of the Ninety Nines Inc. (the international organization of licensed women pilots). Kathleen oversaw the aerospace education programs, flying clinics, aviation safety clinics and the annual Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship Awards. 

JA: All of those years passed, and you and your fellow WASP’s were still being denied your Veteran’s rights and benefits.  What happened to change that?
KH: In 1979, the Airforce, all of sudden, announced that it was going to have its “first” female pilots. That upset us because we were the first women to fly back in WWII. Those of us still living, got in touch with General Arnold’s son, Col. Bruce Arnold. He remembered who we were, because of his father’s stories. He knew that what they were doing to us wasn’t right—denying our rights, denying our service. Nobody knew anything about us. Col. Arnold gathered together several key people in Washington. Together, we fought what became known as the “Battle of Congress.” Because of Col. Bruce Arnold and Senator Barry Goldwater, Congress finally agreed that we should be considered veterans. They attached us to a bill that President Jimmy Carter signed, The G.I. Bill Improvement Act of 1977. That bill granted WASP corps full military status for their service.

All through the ’80’s Kathleen still flew above the clouds. It was only for pleasure, but she could not resist.

On March 10, 2010,  the Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASP) were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of their service during World War II by President Barack Obama.

Kathleen recieves the Congressional Gold Medal
Kathleen receives the Congressional Gold Medal

JA: What was it like to meet  President Obama?
KH:
I was not there. I just could not attend. My friends were at the signing. The new girls were thrilled to be there. All of the women in the Air Force today are so thrilled to be with us. They feel they would not be able to be in service if it were not for us. We are happy to be the PIONEERS. Now there are a lot of women who fly. They even take off and land on carriers (aircraft carriers). Last March when I was at the WASP reunion, I met a woman who is a Thunderbird (Airforce) Pilot. To think a woman is up there flying alongside those men, Wow! It makes me proud.

In November of 2013, Kathleen received another special honor. This time it was the Wright Brother’s Master Pilot Award. This award recognizes pilots that have demonstrated professionalism and aviation skill and safety for 50 years or more. 

Kathleen and her Wright Brother's Award
Kathleen and her Wright Brother’s Award

JA: You are such an inspiration, Kathleen. What message would like to give all the young girls and women out there?
KH:
If you have ever wanted to fly, do it. I found out as things go along – things happen to make your dreams come true. After Pearl Harbor, they closed all airports along the coasts. That was when I was 18. I had no money to learn how to fly. When I got out of school I made 15 dollars a week; I used half of my salary to pay for my flying lessons. Becoming a WASP was a dream come true. I became a pilot in every sense of the word.  The universe does help you.

No matter what it is that your heart wants to do, do not ever give up.  There is always a way to make your dreams come true.

Kathleen & Buzz Aldren
Kathleen & Buzz Aldren

JA: You have lived such a large and fulfilling life, forgive me for asking but how old are you?
KH: I am 91. I don’t feel like I am 91, and I hope that I don’t look like I am 91.

JA: You certainly don’t sound like you are 91!
KH: I feel like I am 50, in my body, and my mind. The only thing that I have a problem with is walking. I have a bad knee. Other than that, I can’t believe that I am 91 years old.

Kathleen Hilbrandt 2013
Kathleen Hilbrandt 2013

“I am just a girl who was born to fly, to lift off the earth and soar the sky. I’ve looked down to the birds and up to God’s feet. I’ve spun, I’ve flipped, and through the clouds, I zipped. I’ve felt freedom in its purest form. I earned my silver wings, and they were proudly worn. To you, I am a hero, I’ve paved the way. But to myself, I’m a girl who was just born to fly, to lift off the earth and soar the sky. It was love at first flight, and I’ll never forget my landing! The excitement, the anxiety, the rush, it was outstanding! Thank you for saluting me, thank you for your praise. And the Congressional Gold Medal … Wow! I don’t even know what to say. I’ve lived my life to the fullest, I followed my dreams, and I’ve inspired many, unintentionally. But I’m just a girl that was born to fly, to lift off the earth and soar through the sky.” – Carolyn Farmer, dedicated to her Aunt Kathleen Hilbrandt

For those of you that would like to know more about the glorious days of WASP, and how these ladies broke the glass ceiling via the cockpit, this is the documentary for you:

Silver Wings, Shattered Dreams: A Long Road to Recognition

Julie Anderson

Julie Anderson is the Creator and Publisher of Feminine Collective. Julie was inspired to create this safe place for women to share their secrets, desires, triumphs and pain as the antithesis of what mainstream media offers women today. In her column Pursuit of Perfection, she explores the importance of rectifying the balance of inner and outer beauty through essays, poems and articles on self-esteem, shame, family, and self- acceptance.

Written by 

Julie Anderson is the Creator and Publisher of Feminine Collective. Julie was inspired to create this safe place for women to share their secrets, desires, triumphs and pain as the antithesis of what mainstream media offers women today. In her column Pursuit of Perfection, she explores the importance of rectifying the balance of inner and outer beauty through essays, poems and articles on self-esteem, shame, family, and self- acceptance.

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18 thoughts on “Born to Fly: The True Story About Women in the United States Air Force

  1. I love hearing about the WASP women. But, I am the granddaughter of Art Slocum. He was one the men that trained these women. And I must say I am equally has proud of him. My two daughter and I went to Sweetwater last month and loved every minute of the museum. Anyone with information about Art Slocum. I would love to hear about him. Thanks..Chris

  2. Julie,

    Kay wanted to send you a copy of my book, “WASP IN THEIR OWN WORDS.” Can you email me an address and I’ll put it in the mail;)

    God bless and thank you for spreading the word!

    nancy

  3. Hello Regina,

    Thank you for your lovely comment. I love that Kay was your first “Who’s Who.” You could not have picked a better inaugural candidate.
    After speaking with Kay, I have found myself venturing back to her words of wisdom. Never Give Up. Three little words that pack the boldest punch.

    Those of us that have been exposed to her phenomenal being are very lucky indeed.

    Give Kay a warm hug from me when you see her at Church. I missed her by a few weeks when I last ventured south. It is my dream to meet her in the flesh. 🙂

    All the best-
    J

  4. Hello Rick,

    Thank you for sharing another aspect of Kay’s life. Your father, Karl sounds like he was a compelling man as well. Of course he is a Hero too. The two of them, with their rich experiences and commonalities, must have been a sight to behold. You have the passion of flight in your DNA. I bet those 53 years flew right by – pun intended. How many flight miles have you accumulated – if you don’t mind me asking.

    My youngest son wants to be a pilot. He says that he feels truly safe flying way above the clouds.
    Kay is amazing. I wish I could sit with her and talk for hours. They don’t make them like that anymore. Legendary.

    Many thanks again for taking the time to read and comment – I am sure it will warm Kay’s heart to see your words.

    All the best-

    J

    P.S. Your famous Margaritas … keep those away from me!

  5. The whole story would take too long to write, my typing is marginal. Kay is very much a part of our family also. My father, Karl and Kay pretty much grew up together though many of the details are a bit obscure to me. I know that backyards of their relatives touched as early as their fifth year of life. Years passed….my father was a 20 year old P-47 fighter pilot in the European Theater and flew 93 combat missions. Thereafter, he was a pilot and Captain for Eastern Air Lines for 34 years. Several years after he retired, my mother passed on and dad was something of a lost soul. A few more years elapsed and Kay and dad got together spending several fun and memorable years together. When I began flying out of our JFK base, my commuter “crash pad” was my father’s house in NJ. During the summers, Kay and dad spent their time there as well. Far too many stories to tell and my famous Margaritas shared. Dad passed in ’05 after 21 years of Parkinson’s. Their life experiences have provided me a rare insight into this aviation thing as I now count 53 years therein following in their
    footsteps. Though we’re separated by the miles. Kay is always in my heart and prayers.

  6. Great article on a fantastic lady! Kay made such an impression on me that I started a column “Who’s Who in our Parish”. We are lucky enough to have Kay as a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Central Florida, and because of her, she became my first “Who’s Who” candidate in our weekly bulletin spotlighting very important folks who you never knew who they were before! Her story was so important to us, encouraging others to never give up & just do it! And like your article, her memories & stories are AMAZING! I am pleased to know such a courageous lady! Thank you for recognizing her unselfish efforts!

  7. Loretta
    Your kind words lifted my spirits! Courageous women indeed. They are superwomen. I would love to meet the rest of them. I will start my Sweetwater WASP reunion fund today!
    Best-
    J

  8. Carolyn,
    Thank you for reaching out to me with your wonderful comment. Outstanding? Well, that is a stretch – but I will take it! She is inspiring, to say the least. I plan on doing much more … you wait and see 🙂
    Best-
    J

  9. Julie, thank you so much for an outstanding write up of my Aunt Kay. She is and always will be our heroine! We have been blessed to grow up with her incredible and inspiring stories. She has been the best role model. I am looking forward to you hopefully doing more work in regards to the WASPs, we just can’t get enough of it! Even the people that are just learning about who these incredible woman are and what they did, are so eager right off the bat to hear more and learn more! Thank you again, and she will agree, you absolutely did her story justice! Bravo!

  10. What an awesome article Julie, we are all so very proud of our Aunt Kay and all the WASP. They are an amazing group of women. I have had the honor of escorting Aunt Kay to her last 4 WASP Reunions in Sweetwater TX. There I met some of the most courageous women ever to be found. I love listening to their stories. It would be great if you could make it to the next reunion to meet the rest of them.
    Thank you

  11. Thank you for your comment Andrea. I am so happy that you enjoyed my article. I too love the pictures! I think the ladies looked stunning! The poem brought tears to my eyes. Kathleen and her fellow Fly Girls are pretty awesome.

  12. This was a fascinating read. I love the history, the pictures, the quotes, and the poem. “Love at first flight.” What a phenomenal role model for females everywhere. I can’t imagine what it was like to feel denied and discarded in that way. How wonderful that she got that validation in her lifetime. Brilliant article – thank you!

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