This person was a part of making U.S. history.
She was one of 1,830 women accepted as a pilot as part of the Army Air
Force from September 1942 to December 1944. Because of the demand for
male combat pilots and warplanes left the Air Transport Command with a shortage
of experienced pilots to ferry planes from factories to points of embarkation a
program was approved that would train a large group of women to serve as ferry
pilots.
(Taken from the
Woman's Collection, Blagg -Huey Library)
Just a few
facts I found very interesting. Of the
1,074 that graduated 38 died while in the WASP program. 60,000,000 miles flown.
WASP earned
$150 per month while in training, and $250 per month after graduation. They paid for their own uniforms, lodging,
and personal travel to and from home.
Important quote:
You and more than 900 of your sisters have shown that you can
fly wingtip to wingtip with your brothers. If ever there was a doubt in
anyone’s mind that women can become skillful pilots, the WASPs have dispelled
that doubt.”
|
- Gen. Hap Arnold, AAF, in a speech to the last class of
WASPs, before the program was disbanded in December 1944.
|
Evelyn's maiden name is Burdette. She was the second wife of
my grandfather George Wherrett Tomlinson. I do not have the exact
marriage date/about 1936/37. She didn't live with Grandfather long and never divorced him. He died in
1959. Tommy died in 1973. More will be told about their
lives at a later date.
She did a service for our country contributing to our
freedoms we have today. She
should be remembered for her good deeds.
Thank You Tommy.
