“With the fate of the free world hanging in the balance, women pilots went aloft to serve their nation.... A soaring tale in which, at long last, these daring World War II pilots gain the credit they deserve.” (Liza Mundy, New York Times best-selling author of Code Girls ) "A powerful story of reinvention, community and ingenuity born out of global upheaval." ( Newsday ) When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor in December 1941, Cornelia Fort was already in the air. At 22, Fort had escaped Nashville’s debutante scene for a fresh start as a flight instructor in Hawaii.

She and her student were in the middle of their lesson when the bombs began to fall, and they barely made it back to ground that morning. Still, when the US Army Air Forces put out a call for women pilots to aid the war effort, Fort was one of the first to respond. She became one of just over 1,100 women from across the nation to make it through the Army’s rigorous selection process and earn her silver wings.

The brainchild of trailblazing pilots Nancy Love and Jacqueline Cochran, the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) gave women like Fort a chance to serve their country - and to prove that women aviators were just as skilled as men. While not authorized to serve in combat, the WASP helped train male pilots for service abroad, and ferried bombers and pursuits across the country. Thirty-eight WASP would not survive the war.

But even taking into account these tragic losses, Love and Cochran’s social experiment seemed to be a resounding success - until, with the tides of war turning, Congress clipped the women’s wings. The program was disbanded, the women sent home. But the bonds they’d forged never failed, and over the next few decades they came together to fight for recognition as the military veterans they were - and for their place in history.

In the heart of World War II, a fearless group of women took to the skies, breaking barriers and redefining possibilities. These were the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), who defied societal norms and wartime challenges to serve their country. With determination and courage, they proved women could handle the rigors of military aviation, flying hundreds of critical missions and inspiring future generations.

This book captures their untold stories, honoring their contributions and resilience during one of history's most tumultuous periods.

The Women Airforce Service Pilots showcased unparalleled bravery and skill in a predominantly male domain during World War II. Their dedication and service paved the way for future generations of women in aviation and military roles. By highlighting their remarkable achievements this story celebrates the power of perseverance and breaking societal barriers.

In a time when the world was embroiled in conflict a group of courageous women answered the call of duty by joining the Women Airforce Service Pilots. Despite facing doubts and prejudices these trailblazers demonstrated exceptional talent and tenacity challenging perceptions of what women could achieve. The WASPs completed dangerous missions ferrying planes and testing new aircraft freeing male pilots for combat duty.

Through meticulous research and firsthand accounts this book brings to life the incredible experiences of these aviation pioneers. Their contributions were instrumental in the war effort as they flew countless hours often under hazardous conditions showcasing unwavering commitment and professionalism. Yet remarkably their stories remained largely untold overshadowed by the broader narrative of the war.

The Women with Silver Wings delves into the personal histories of these aviators exploring their backgrounds motivations and dreams. It captures the camaraderie and sisterhood that developed within the group as well as the challenges they faced both in the air and on the ground. Their courage and determination propelled them through adversity making significant strides in the fight for equality.

By shedding light on the WASPs' remarkable achievements this book not only honors their legacy but also serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit. It reflects on how their perseverance paved the way for future generations inspiring women to pursue careers that were once deemed unattainable. Discover a forgotten chapter in history that reshaped the skies and society's understanding of women's capabilities.

This book stands out for its rich portrayal of the WASPs' lives combining vivid storytelling with meticulous historical research The personal anecdotes and detailed accounts provide readers with a profound understanding of their remarkable journeys. \nThe compelling narrative reveals the untold stories of these pioneering women emphasizing their role in transforming aviation history It highlights the unique sisterhood that formed as these pilots bonded over shared challenges and triumphs. \nBy focusing on individual stories and collective accomplishments the book delivers an inspiring exploration of courage resilience and the enduring impact of the WASPs It reminds readers of the ongoing struggle for recognition and equality that transcended wartime barriers.