Jacqueline Cochran
National History Day 2022
Debate and Diplomacy
Beginning of the WASP Program
People were revolted by the idea of having women helping the military at first.
"I take this opportunity to express my definite and sincere opposition to what I consider the siliest piece of legislation that has ever come to notice in the years I have served here. A woman's army to defend the United States of America. Think of the humiliation. What has become of the manhood of America, that we have to call on our women to do what has ever been the duty of men? The thing is so revolting to me, to my sense of Americanism, to my sense of decency, that I cannot discuss it in vein that I think legislation should be discussed on the floor of this house." - Congressman Somers of New York, Congressional Record, March 17, 1942
"One representative even asked, 'Who will do the cooking, the washing, the mending, the humble homey tasks to which every woman has devoted herself, who will nurture the children?'" - The Women's Army Auxiliary Corps: A Compromise to Overcome the Conflict of Women Serving in the Army
"In the beginning, the women were considered a novelty and a joke. Multiple magazine articles referred to them as 'skirted soldiers' and discussed frivolous items such as 'silly hats' worn by leader Oveta Culp Hobby... Not taking the women seriously, 'during the first few weeks of WAAC training, cartoonists and wise-cracking columnists had a field day.'" - The Women's Army Auxiliary Corps: A Compromise to Overcome the Conflict of Women Serving in the Army
Despite conflicted perspectives of Cochran's work, the U.S. Military trusted Cochran to undertake the responsibility of starting a women's pilot program in the United States. Although there was some diplomacy reached here, this was not the end of the debate that occurred.
Press Release of Jacqueline's Appointment
Cochran's Response:
"I am delighted that the more than 3,000 licensed women pilots in America are going to have an opportunity to prove their competence to serve in their chosen field in the war". - Jacqueline Cochran Named Director of Women's Flying Training In Army, Eisenhower Library, September 14, 1942.
"I am proud of the fine work being done by the more than a score of American women pilots now in England. Those who arrived during the spring and early summer are already ferrying combat equipment. One alone has ferried more than fifty Hurricanes and Spitfires during the last month". - Jacqueline Cochran Named Director of Women's Flying Training In Army, Eisenhower Library, September 14, 1942.
"In this all-out struggle women must more and more take over non-combatant burdens so as to free men for combat service. England has pointed the way in this respect". -Jacqueline Cochran Named Director of Women's Flying Training In Army, Eisenhower Library, September 14, 1942.
Requirements for Retention of Female Pilots
William H. Tunner, Letter to Commanding General, September 15, 1942.
WASP In Action
Courtesy of Smithsonian Channel.
The beginning of the WASP program opened a door of opportunity for many other women aviators. After the establishment of the program, the WASPs went on to be very successful with their duties. They were able to push forward and achieve greatness, regardless of what people thought.