WASP Special Delivery-- Part 3: Ferried Aircraft, Target Practice and Transporting Cargo

During World War II, the WASP organization was largely made up of the Women's Flying Training Detachment (WFTD) and the Women's Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAF).  It was formed to free male pilots for combat duty overseas..

Of the 25,000 women who applied, fewer than 1,900 were accepted.  In addition to ferrying aircraft from factories, their duties included towing targets for anti-aircraft practice (such as the ones at Camp Davis and Fort Fisher, N.C.), simulated strafing and transporting cargo.

During the course of the war, they flew nearly every type of aircraft.

Many of their planes were not exactly in good shape.  In the course of performing their duties, 38 brave women lost their lives.

--GreGen