There were 1,074 WASP who graduated from cadet training.  Bernice Falk was one of them.  Her mother saved the letters she wrote home as well as those from her brother, Lloyd, who was serving in Europe.

Having been promised military status should the WASP program prove successful – which it was – the WASP were crest-fallen when told the program was to be disbanded December 20, 1944.  This was the result of adverse and incorrect information given to members of Congress.

Her determination to remain a pilot after the WASP were disbanded and how she accomplished this feat are outlined in detail.  Her subsequent marriage to Joe Haydu a World War II flight instructor and their flying experiences make for fascinating reading.

On the cover of the book is pictured Fifinella.  She is the good luck lady gremlin designed by Walt Disney for the WASP.  She rode the wingtips of the hundreds of women pilots who flew alongside their brother airmen as part of America’s air armada of World War II.

Special wings were designed for the WASP – pictured on the cover – the lozenge (diamond) in the center of the wing is the Greek symbol for Athena, the goddess of wisdom and warfare.  The male pilots had a shield in the center of their wings, the Greek symbol of manhood.

The class of 44-4 (three classes ahead of us) was the first class of trainees to go directly into the AT-6 advanced trainer from the PT-17 primary trainer...this was the first time the Air Force was taking this step and if it proved successful the male cadets would be trained in this manner.  We were the guinea pigs!

 Often in researching the WASP history you will read a brief sentence stating the WASP received recognition as veterans of World War II in l977.  Well, it didn’t ‘just happen’….. It was during my two terms as president* 1975-1978 that we made our concerted effort to gain recognition as veterans from Congress...  Leading us every step of the way was Colonel Bruce Arnold.**... There were many meetings such as this one March 17,1977 in Senator Barry Goldwater’s office, Washington, D.C.
* of the WASP organization
**son of General “Hap” Arnold