title: On Silver Wings: The Women Airforce Service Pilots of World War II
author:  Marianne Verges 
description: The almost-buried history of female pilots in WW II is carefully unearthed in this account of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) and the organizations that preceded it. Freelance journalist Verges, wife of an airline executive, is candid about how women began making their contributions in the air: the chief impetus was provided by famed pilot Jacqueline Cochran, married to a millionaire tycoon who provided strong financial support to Franklin Roosevelt; almost all other early women pilots were from wealthy families, since flying was at first a hobby only for the rich. This profile changed by the early 1940s, when almost 2000 women had earned their wings and become indispensable to the war effort, ferrying planes around the country. They were fortunate in having the support of Air Force boss Gen. Hap Arnold and some young officers, but many mid-ranking members of the brass were petty and even vicious toward the women. The WASP was disbanded in late 1944 and the personnel were denied military rank; this they were finally awarded in 1973. An inspiring tale of a winning fight against prejudice. <br />Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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  # Praise for **THE WOMEN WITH SILVER WINGS**
  
  
  
  
  
  “With the fate of the free world hanging in the balance, women pilots went
  aloft to serve their nation. They came from all parts of the country and from
  all walks of life, united by their love of aircraft and their desire to prove
  that women flyers were as skilled as men. In every way, they succeeded. The
  WASP withstood danger, cold, heat, military red tape, bureaucratic confusion,
  scorn, and second-class treatment. They proved their courage, their
  patriotism, their talent, their ability to master powerful new
  machines—fighters, bombers, transports—and their staying power. Some gave
  their lives. After spending years capturing their vivid stories, Katherine
  Sharp Landdeck has written a soaring tale in which, at long last, these daring
  World War II pilots gain the credit they deserve. You will be riveted and
  inspired by their story.”
  
  
  —LIZA MUNDY, _New York Times_ bestselling author of _Code Girls: The