YOL.

n:

IOrder of Fifinellal Publisher

IBetty. J. Williamsl
Editor IClara JO Marshl President IHally stiresl Bus. Manager

IRuth Mary petryl Sec' y .-Tree s.

IAdvisory

Board

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The WASP NEWSLETTER is published every two month. by the Order ot ~it1nella. This organization wa. tonned prior to inactivation ot the Women'. ~irtorce Service Pilot program, Dec.mber 20,1944. It i. legally incorporated under the corporate seal ot the .tate at Calitornia. This publication i. devoted principally to aeronautical aotivitie. ot WASPs, and other pertinent intormation regarding "Women in aviation". Bdltoridl Ottice 3633 Lavell Drive Los Angeles 41, Calit.

Ann Johnson Judy Sapp Betty Clements Margaret Helburn Marjorie Logan Mary Burke Dorothy Aspell Dorothy Kielty Ann Lincoln Dennis Bonnie Edmunds Ann Berry Muriel Lindstrom Elizabeth MacKethan Ruth Woods Hazel Raines Mary Waters de Laet Ruth Shafer Dorothy Swain Irene Crum Eva Marie Pedersen Betty Thompson Margaret Parish Miki Allen Carter Ruth Groves Florence :Emig

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CONTEJ.'IT'S ARI'ICLE Contest Entries New England Chapter stwnp JUmper's Lament New York Chapter Texas Chapter Across the OCean-Far Away Wasptivlties Dan Cupid's Log Book Bus. Mmager's Report GI Bill tor WASPs ;l"l,..r's Halo Lola Perkins Pink! e Bri er PAGE 2 5 5 6 9 10 11 15 16 17 20

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Photographs Typewriter

WIN A $50 .00 VICTORY BOND!!!

In the early days of organization a contest for the most humorous incident relative to your WASP days was begun. To the winner goes a Victory Bond. Not much time remains, so-o-o-o mail your entries to your Editor right away. The following are three more entries.
11

IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU

11

Back at Dallas I s"reated and s\':eated all throuGh JulJ' in Instrument School. Finally orders came throuGh for r:iJ' line check: co-pilot on a C-47, Oklahoma City to Fort~iayne. 1 was jubilant. You see I'd been one of t~ose lowly PQ-PT-BT pil~ts for so lonE that a C-47 still looked like a big plane to me. 1~ycheck ?ilot and I eventually ardved at Tinker via 1':-A-T and picked up our C-47. i'iithout !:luch ado, we taxied out to take off. Now I'd never been at th~ controls of a C-47 before so durin~ all the procedures preliminary to take-off, I concentrated on ke'3ping out of the way and doinG what I was tal d to do. Durin::; the take-off run, I :1oticed the pilot seemed to have considerable trouble keepinc; the plane strai;:;ht, but I wasn't alarmed until we Viere ai roome. Then the left wing dropi'ed and we headed strai;;ht towards the big DOUGlas buildin.ss. 1 could see headlines: "0ne More Good Waspie Gone ~II The ailerons stalled out completely 'out somehow he nosed her dovm, picked up sufficient speed to strai~hten her up, and landed safely, to the left of the r~nway. Then he noticed what was wron~. He'd taken off v:ith full left rudder trim. Vfr,en he racovered his voice, we taxied back to the Douglas ramp and he ordered :ne to rerr.ain in the co-pilot' s seat 'while he got out and checked the gear. Everything; seemed O. K. so he taxied out a2;ain and v,re took off. Vfuen we were about a thousand feet up we chan:e d places and I flev! under the hood to Scott Fie 1 d v,'he re we RONed. Noy! you may th ink that was eno~Gh exc i tement for one day, but no ~~ There was difficulty in my gettinG a room for the night. There "msn't an empty room at the Orficers' Club where the A. O. sent me, so I ended up in the em~ty forl!l9r-::Wasp quarters down in Splinterville. Nurses had just been moved out of the buildinG that day bec~use the location wasn't considered "safe" for them, and there r'.Nfl.S, alone, and not even a lock on the door~~ After dinner I returns d to the barracks 8....l'1d discovered my B-4 bag and brief case had been ransacked, however, only one thing was missing, my diary~ I paced the floor for several minutes, both angry and embarrassed, trying to decide what to do, then began m~:ing phone calls. Soon two officers and a husky sergeant arrived in ~ jeep. They searched the two-story barracks but found no diary and decided that was no place for me to spend the night . After.what seemed hours, a kind nurse on night duty offered to let me sleep in her bed.

., ~

* * *

Next l!lornin; the Duty Officer fnm the Guard House took rre back to search the barracks B.gain---buess what? Ey diary had been returned durin; the nij1t and was on the table beside the tele?hone. Guess it :nust have bored whoever borrov:ed it! 3ut whoev')r it was, I 'Ims thankful to him for returnins it. Soon my check pilot and I took from the Guard House explaininG our off again, in late departure. Ecl.e Hand ~ossession of letters

.(

Hildred

Christiansen

43-6

THE R~STC!RJI.TION
I
\

"Okay, which one of you feHas is E;oing with me?" 1 said Cru,llpily as I walked into the Section II ensineering office and slu...'"lgmy chute to the floor. It was a sweltering west Texas mid-afternoon and I vms in no humor to stand around 'lmitinG for some Gl mechanic to make up his mind about going alons on a test hop. The day was a lazy one and the boys were evidently moved to the same mood. They certainly weren't aacer to brave the confines of ~~e roast oven cockpit of a C-78. Or was it that they were reluctant to fly with a WASP? After much bickerins, Sgt. Graves was elected. On the way do~n the ramp, laden with cushions, chute and report board, I asked, "What's the matter, Sgt, don't you trust these girl to brine; you back alive?" "No mam, it before." ain't that, it's just, well, I've never been

pilots

up with

girl

So that was it. Well, I'd give him a ride he'd long remember, and had I been able to loop and spin that double-breasted-cub, I would. But my maneuvers were limited to the conventional take-off and test run consisting of maximum steep climbs, stalls, full throttle operation and the checking of engine and flight instruments. I did manaGe to sneak off to the far edges of the local flying area and do a few chandelles and lazy 8's. The Sgt. said nothing. Oh, Vlell, I figureo, someday men would learn to appreciate the warren pilots and give tLem due credit. Then, and even to my own amazement, the landing was feather-touch that was the finishing blow, for when we were once again parked on the and had climbed out of the ship, I stood with my hands on my hips and defiantly challenged the Sgt. with, llWe 11, now what do you think?ll He said simply, "Lady, you've res~ored my faith Norma Sisler in v.'Omen.ll 44-W-5 and line

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AND SO THE STORY GOES~

I had been skirtine; local terrain and showers at mL'1.lIDUIn altitude for the past thirty minutes so I was delighted to spot--dead ahead, and on a 900 line--four C-46's with gear do~n and spaced for pattern. I irrrnediately plugged in my head set, throttled back, re-drew my mouth, dro~ped my flaps, and skidded in behind t;,.em. The Berry Field tower acknowledged m:,' position, so dOVin went :!1~T feet and in I bounced. I barreled thru pudd13s to the parking line, switched off everything in sight, climbed out of my house, fell off the wing, and drag.sed the body and bag--alright, Ilbaggage"--to Operations. I trudged wearily up a flight of steps, turned in mJ' cl'3arance, and vras about to depart; when I remembered that "thai' frovmed upon our sleeping on the bae;i';aE;9 racks. I politely inquired as to local hotel accommodations. The Sgt.-in-charge pointed a wavering finger at the nearby Arrival 30ard--crammed with "RON-weather"-and offer.3d to 'phone the WAC quarters. I thanked him quietly and proc3eded.to my haven for the eVenL'1.g (the WAC, not the rackt). A fulllength mirror in the barracks decided me asainst dinnert Instead 1 borrowed soap flakes and an iron to do my "nightly duty". Next morning early--tmder threat of Ferry Division Directive //D012~--I strugsled into my clean, moist shirt, stuffed my still-damp panties into my purse, and bumned a ride to the line. The sky was being very clubby with the tower-a condition un-conduc ive to immediate departure. tJndaunted I continued to my ship to dump my stuff. Vihen I opened the canopy, I found the interior "toasty". With the inventiveness of true genius I draped my scanties across the inside aerial and carefully closed the hatch. As I tore back to the nearby terminal building for breakfast, I noticed how decorative that one pink-draped interior looked midst the long line of blisters. Four hours and 15 coffees later the Weather Bureau do?med its second box of asperin and issued 40 clearances North and East. I blatted my lashed at the Clearance Officer, had my sheet signed within four minutes, and beat the pack to the line. I whipped around my ship, tasted every puddle under the engine and vents, re-checked the Form-I, yanked my pants off the aerial--and bellowed~~t~ )Yhat formerly had been one pair of ladies' rayon snuggies. had dried as men's broadcloth shorts--tea-rose pink, too, by 6ad~l Appropriately lettered across the seat was this burlesque-inspired classic------t1Here' s to a good ta.1<:e-off" Lola Perkins 44-W-6

THEN

NOVl

Just a twin-engine Cubnn

P~rty big,

isn't it??

NEW ENGLAND CHAPTER

The first meeting of another new chapter was held on November 25,1945 at the Stetler Hotel in Boston, Messachusetts. Because it was thet'irst meeting a great deal ot the business involved the necessary organizational details. Aocordingly the following officers were eleeted:- PresidentPatricia Chadwiok 43-2, Houlton, Maine and Seoretary-'l'reasurer- Isabel Fenton 43-3,'West Springfield, Massachusetts. A write up and picture ,in the Boston Herald and Tribune gave the girls some good publicity. They made Gov~rnor saltonstall ot Massachusetts an Honorary Member. Many letters were received trom girls who were unable to attend. A super time was'had by all present. They are planning a trip to Stowe, Vermont sometime in Januery so all can enjoy the winter sport.. Sounds like a keen ideal

THE STUKP Jffil1PER' S LfuVENT

Beneath the spreading rotor head The Helicopter stands Wi th an underpowered engine And blades like rubber bands. The fuselaGe looks silly; The whole idea's absurd. Why anyone will fly it I really haven't heard. There's Sticking It looks A highly an anti-torque propeller out the taiL for all the world like pregnant quail. need a parachute; need a brain; fly this monster be insane.

One doesn't One doesn't In fact, to It help~ to

But never question, don't be scared, And please don' t underrate "The Helicopter"; be prepared For post war section 8. Oh, how I have Da Vinci And Sikorsky's on my list; If they had kept their traps shut, This me ss I would have missed. But I am brave and I am strong And greatly in demand For I'm a Helicopter pilot In the purple heart command. Chief Hoverbug
W.J.M.

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NEW YORK CHAPTER At the instigation of Clara Jo Marsh, Peg Helburn and Ruth Petry, cards were sent out to all WASPs in the New York area and a reunion was held on October 27th at the Town Hall Club in New York City. Suzanne Bane's mother sponsored us for the club, and we made use of the roof after the !meting to watch the aerial review of Navy Day. The affai~ started about one o'clock, inevitably. in the bart After many happy greetings, the first in almost a year, the gathering proceeded to the private dining room. Peg Helburn acted as chairman and after the thirty-five girls present, introduced themselves by name and class, business was postponed until after a lunch of fruit cup, turkey, peas, salad, ice cream and coffee. Peg showed pictures of the lO,OOOth Thtmderbolt, "Ten Grand", being flown out of Farmingdale by Teresa James, and other pictures of the WASP ferrying group at Republic. After lunch messages were read from WASPs unable to attend the reunion. Clara Jo explained how the Memorial Fund was set up and asked especially for participation from many more WASPs, not only response to the sale of the jewelry and stationery etc., but ideas on what you think should be done with the money raised. Clara also explained the step taken to protect the Order of Fifinella legally and financially. Kiss Cecile Hamilton, Assistant Aviation Editor of the New York Herald Tribtme, spoke on the responsibility of the WASPs as the women most highly educated in aviation, especially Military Aviation, in the world today. She stressed the fact that there is no time to be lost. Our world is so small now that distance means nothing. In this war we had the time to train and develop our air power. Time given us by sacrifices in New Guinea and Poland. Next time, if we do nothing to prevent a next time, the very first target will be the industrial developments of the United States. What can the WASPs as individuals or as a group do? The President of the United States is now developing his foreign policy. The ,two Houses of Congress are holding hearings in Washington on a consolidated Department of National Defense. Whether or not this consolidation is brought about, it is the duty of all concerned to see to it, that the A. A. F. gets equal status. At the present time it is merely a bureau in the War Department. It has no authority to issue a regular commission to a single officer. no records of its own on discharged men of technical skill. whether pilots or mechanics. During the war - given time - we built the air supremacy by ?bich we won the war. Already, through present demobilization measures. we have no air supremacy. The Air Force is tmable to exert any control over its own needs.

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One thing the WASPs must do is keep informed of this situa tion and its developments. If we have an opinion, see that it's expressedto the right people: mainly congressmen and senators. We, as WASPs, must keep well trained, even at personal expense. Because, when the next emergency comes, there will be no tiroo for training. The war will start here. Miss Hamil ton concluded that v.e need time desperately, right now, tirooto resolve our differences with other ways of thought. Tiroo which we can bargain for only by keeping absolute supremacy in the.air. A vote of all those present indicated that WASPs in the New Yo~k area will form a chapter of the Order of Fifinella, rooeting every third month, with two administrative officers and various committees for any projects undertaken. Peg Helburn was named temporary Chairman, and Gloria Heath, temporary Secretary. The majority present at the meeting were in favor of investigating the temporary appointment benefits that might be available to us. Possibilities for activity along other lines were suggested, and by the next meeting the machinery will be constructed for an active New York Chapter. To those in this vicinity who are interested and were unable to attend, or those 'Who did not know of the meeting drop a line to Peg Helburn, at Republic Aviation, Farmingdale, New York, or to Gloria Heath, 405 Park Avenue, New York City and we shall see that you are invited to the next meting. Ruth Petry, 104 Devon Road, Ithaca, retiring editor of the Newsletter, has consented to sort all news for this section, and send it in for each edition. Be sure to send her your items, as well as any newspaper clippings you may see about WASPs anywhere. Agenda for the next meting committees already under way. will include voting, and reports from

Let us have your ideas for chapter activities. Peg Helburn,/ Chairman Gloria Heath Secretary

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t

IT'S

BEEN A LONG,

LONG TlMEll

ATrENrI

ON PLEASE

.The following is a copy of a letter which the New York Chapter sent to their Senators, requesting that a bill promoting equal status for the Air Forces be promoted. It is recommended that other chapters consider it as a model with corrections or recommendations for immediate action and pressure. WASPs can write individual letters, if desired. It is a vitally important issue.
'I'.b.eHonorable .

United States Senate Washington, D. C.

Dear Senator ................ :

The purpose of this letter is dual. First, we should like to have information on the subject of a separate command for the Air Forces, of equal power with the Army and Navy. Is there any bill providing for such status? Are any measures being taken in the Senate? Why is there no radio or newspaper publication of Washington action on this subject? This is of vital importance to the nation, and we should have all the infonnation before us. Secondly, we wish to express our earnest desire, as members of the New York voting public, and as citizens of the United States, that the Air Forces be given a separate oonnnand, with powers commensurate to the important role they played in winning the war, and whioh they must play in keeping the peace. Our understanding is that the Air Forces as bureaus of the Army and Navy have no proper records of personnel or training, no power to ask Congress directly for the appropriations needed for peacetime strength. Present needs for Air Force w:>rkmust be passed on by Army or Navy Chiefs, and be presented by them to Congress. If we are mistaken, please correct our impressions. As Women I\1rforce Servioe Pilots, we served with the Army Air Forces during the War, and because of this, feel ourselves better able to understand the problems of the Air Forces in general, than any other group of women in the country, except the WACs assigned to duty wi th the Air Forces. For this reason we are submitting this group letter to you, requesting that you use your influence to promote equal status for the Air Forces, with the Army and Navy, (whether or not a unified command is set up). The unquestionable necessity for air superiority in the future, as in the past, demands that the Air Forces be put on an equal footing wi th their older brothers, the Army and Navy. Very Sincerely Yours,

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AND

'irs
TO
THINK
GOT

PAID

FOR YcIS

1t t

TIH~ TEXAS

CHAPTER

The girls L~ the Texas Chapter were fortunate in havinE a.very wonderful time at the Texas University versus S.LTJ. football garre. They had seats on the fifty yard linel Texas University won 12-7 . Immediately aftenvard the business meeting \rns held in their room in the Ee1rose Hotel in Dallas. It reminded the :;irls of XC days, when we often had to use sample rooms. They decided it would be the duty of the District Representatives to contact all girls in their districts, at any time there was a request for sur,gestions, order blanks, or forms of any kind to be filled out in the Newsletter, in an effort to help get such information to the officers as quickly as possible. (Thanks loads girls for this sug::;estion). After much discussion it was decided the best way individual chapters could help the organization as a whole. at the present time. was to increase membership and keep interest growing in the Order. Their first step in this direction is to get 100% membership of the Girls who are now in Texas. Saturday night they had dinner at Parrinos. enjoying Italian menus to their fullest. The next meetin~ will be held in Austin the second week end in February, with Ziggy Hunter and 1iary Quist in charge of all arrangements. Those present at this meeting were Shirley Tannehill 44-4, Ziggy Hunter, Jerry Tribble 44-6, Winnie Jones 44-7. Ruth Hageman 43-5, Ruth Woods 44-2, Jo Myers 43-5. Annie Henry 44-7, Kay Kleinecke 44-9. Ann Atkinson 44-9, Bsther Starr Cuddington 44-9, Cleinnie Lovvorn, Jane Tate Harris 43-4, Bert Eiller Collins 43-4 and Ava H9.IIlIJl 44-6.

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Across

the

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Far Awa;yt't t

From "Shell Shock Chateau", POr.ligliano, Italy comes a very interesting letter. u~ary Reineberg 44-6 and three other Girls are serving with the American Red Cross makinG the officers and enlisted m=n relax in their barn of a metal hanbar, aptly nared the "Ha.nGar Club". It has been a. jum;Jint; off place for the 12th and 15th Air Force and for \':eeks they ha.d from three to four tho\lsand men vis i tinlj. As for the nnme of the billet . it is the remains of a one time Administrative 3uildins on the past site of the Alfarorneo Aircraft Factory. There is no wood work of an;y kind it he.s all been used by the Jerries for kindling; no window panes, just cello-screen, which naturally allo~ a great deal of cold air 'to enter. !,:arJ" s room had a large crater in the ceiling, directly over her bed rain was quite evident however that':; been l':::pe.ired anrl ~ll is quite cozy now, with sail cloth being used as druiJe:; and counter pane, a salvaf:;edpiece of rUG, a hand-crank victrola, a ~':ick9r chair and her own personal books, pictur')s, etc. which h~lp keep the awareness of nome across the way ... tt They've had COQ~ty Fairs, com?lete with souvenir canes, barkers, concessions, hundreds of prizes, palmists, orchestra, photo gallery, hot pop-c')rn and all sorts of ::;aodies! t t There have been l:onte Carlo niGhts, air races, Saturday afternoon concerts with the 763rd i~F Band, football dance:;, ping ponG taur:la.ments, maGic ian shows, hill billy" sessions, 3ingo, ro1113rskatins parties, '3tc. Imagine ;')aying 5-10 dollars for a lit~le pumpkin then there is the usad-to-be-Q~d~rtaker who vmnts in on the Ground floor plans of t~e proGram Mary vms wondering" whether to trust him or not? And so goes the life of a Red Cross Recreational Direct,ar . :Jut l'3t me relate some of the trips that Mary has had on off-hours. "napoli is b,e closest s[Jot if one has a few days off but I made a" trip across the "aoot" ',ria a jeep oVer "Suicide" "route (all hairpin mountain ro~ds) to FOG3io then I took the "bay road to Sorrento, a resort center, famous for its lac0s . two weeks ?rior to my writing, a trip to Cassino brouGht r'3alization of the full force of the war; it is just waste and devastation, sv.el'Jtons of buildinGs are the full remains. The abbey, on top of the ~oQ~tain, appears as crumbled masonry and twisted frar:Es drop~)ed from a great height and dra[Jped over the to? of the mountain. Santa Pietro and Ven'3fro, the two villat~es in line of fire are similiar to Cassino. Crude crosses mark the graves of countless ~Terries. New and b'3autiful U. S. Liilita.ry cemetaries are frequent alon:::; the way. Our hays do have a restinG place in the green hills of the Italian countryside, with the mOQ~tains standin; guard near by. I took a trip to the Isle of Capri. .and it is out of this \'!orlcH t :Made the tour to San ;.:ichele, hi::;h up on the mountain on th9 -west side of the isle. What a vantage [Jo::ntt There was the sparkling Mediterranean to the north and SOUt:l, Vesuvius making a backdrop on the north, and then stretching to the east was the most picture-?ostal colorGraph. Green vines, firs, purple-y bouGanvillea, and the reddest

geraniums and dotted everywhere your eye could reach were white villas, like tiny houses under a Christmas tree. The water is so clen.r that fron 2000 feet J'ou could actually see the bottom. There are mUS8um pieces in some of these villas, history dating back to the Caesars. The lower and upper Carri villages are so clean compared to t~e Italian mainland. Some of the streets are only two people width, but it's such fun to roam thru them and keep -your neck on a swivel peerinc into the shop windows. They don't pester you to buy nor to sell your own clothing. This week I want to make a tour thru the ~rottos that everyone talks about. You enter th3se caves by lying on the bottom of the boat. Takes about two hours to row thru them, but they say the colors are just like none you'v:J ever seen before. If only I could rub a magic lantern and have all m:;' family and friends enjoy this with

me.
Last Tuesday nite 1 !lad dinner in Naples wit~ Becky rfJcSheehy. Seemed unbelievable that only a year aGo we n~re ferrying BT's in Arizona. She .,.:as in this area beine; processed and sailed last Wednesday for !.:arsailles. florine Philips is in our city club here--and Rosalie Philips is still trav91in[; with the showmobile. lIy hello to all you VI-6ers. Now get your writin' ann -in order we Red Cross Gals n'38 d our morale boost3d too lllll

'cause

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II'NASPTIVITI::":S II 1943 CLASSES Helen Porter 43-5 flys a Stinson SR-9 for an elderly lady, who at one time held a privat'3 pilot's license she is quite an enthusiast and likes to make many pleasure trips. In between trips Helen operates a Link Trainer for All American Aviation.* * * Ruth Hageman 43-5 is working for a Lt~ber Company in Dallas.* * * Jo Myers 43-5 is working for a distributin~ company in Dallas and doing some flying. She recentl;y checked out in a C-64, also flew a tVlin-engin ;]oe ing to lIonterrey l,lexico. She is working for the Instructor' s ratin[~ and has the Instrument written finished, too nice boinglll* * * Leila Mather 43-5 is a buyer in Neiman 1:arcus.* * * Bert ~;~iller Collins 43-4 and Janice Tate Harris 43-4 are living to-gether in Dallas not doing much of anything just enjoyin::; life.* * * t:axine Edmondson 43-8 was flo'ine; for an oil conpany but according to last re)1orts is in ChicaGO to meet her heart throb, back after three years servicell* * * Skip Saunders 43-6, her husband and the ir daughter have be.m flying around in a PT-19. * Ann Lincoln Dennis 43-8 is workinc at Tri-City Airport, while working on h~r Commercial Pilot's License Ann, as you know, has a darlL~g little bov~ So. she is really Quite busy thes~ days.

* *

w.

have had many letters trom girls in 1943 classes, requesting more news tram their classmates. So gals, get those letters rolling we want to know whet you have been doing

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tlWASPTIVITH~Stl 1944 CLASS .;S ~ tlpennytl Peirce 44-9 is with the American Red Cross in France and Dri or to he r reccmt move the re, was stntione d at a Base Air Depot in Ireland, where she ~~s allol~d at the controls of a B-17 and B-24 at times Says tlpenny", tiThe lr ish coast is beautiful and the air is the only place from which to see it~tI * * * Pe~;:;yIloynahan 44-5 and Jane Dyde 44-5 l~re on board ship with Penny enroute overseas and they orGanized a callisthenic class (Avenger stJrle) thouGht they were not gettinf; enouzh exerc ise ~~ Jane was at )3urtonwood, ~nEland and PeEZYwas in a c 1ubmobile ne ar London. Hovvever, the way tho se ~als move around this will probably be past history~~~~ * * * Beverly Dietrich 44-8 is instructing at Reno, Nevada, Sky Ranch. '* * *Marjorie Stevenson 44-8 enrolled in college in Nor:nan, Oklahoma. * * *Kay Elliot, Doris Boothe, Gertrude Dietz 44-8 are working at Oakland Airvray Traffic Control Center. * * * Betty Korton 44-8 is instructing at na,rthorne, South Carolina as we reard she holds all possible ratinEs and licenses except sellplane~~ Conr;ratulations I3etty~~~* * * DOUG kclnnis is another proud holder of that Instructor's ratin;:;.* * *Sherry Phelps 44-8 is instructinc at Kent, Washington with BettJ' White Sh~ehan 44-6 and Mary Retick Caufield 44-6.* * *Peg.::;yFrames 44-8 is a reporter on the Nevada State Journal sives complete coverage on the latest murders and weddinGS~~~~ * * *Emily Metz 44-8 works for Embry-Riddle h Florida is tliinking about studying Aeronautical Engineerins qui te an ~~bition.* * *Arline Baker 44-8 is working in her home tOlm and ferrying too.* * *Mary Lamy 44-8 is work inc in the CAAoffice handling flight plans is also the proud ov~er of a PT-19, ~hich she purchased in Wickenburg, Arizona.* * * And now for those 44-7 r;als Gerry Ashwell is toying with various ideas and doinG some flying for CAP.**.*Opal Hicks is in Odessa,Washington running a new airport seens they asked Opal if she would start it, so she went to Odessa, bOUGht an Aeronca Chief, had to practically build the hangar herself, but it is Going just fine and dandy from all reports and we are all so proud of her.***Nona Holt is working for sorre firm in Los Angeles that manufacturers hat veilinr;.* * *Pinkie Weiss is workL~g at the San ~ernando playr;round.*** Velta Haney was operating a beauty shop in North Hollywood, but according to latest reports is enroute to Virginia.***3ev Frisbie is v:ith United Airlines as a stewardess.***Bea Falk has her instructor's rating and is workinG in Iselin, New Jersey also ~orking on her last two ground school instructor's ratings then she will have the four she wants nice v:ork, 3ea.***!3. J. Overman is -Norkin.-::; for Detroit Diesel Engine Division of Genera11Iotors ol'ms a T-Craft spends all her Sundays and holidays on cross-cotmtries, also probably has her seaplane rating by now.***Jert Paskvan is instructing Army Preflight at Gore Field in Montana she is authorized to fly Army aircraft.***Muriel Rath is attending UCLAfor her last ~rear, majorin6 in Physical Education. ***Ola Rexroat is vrorkine; in the Contror Tower at Alamo Field, San Antonio .***Red Roth is v:orking at Lanr;leJ Fie1 d, Virginia, for the National Adviso~J Commission for .~ronautics she is hopping passengers occasionally, and working on her instructor's rating.* * *
T

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IIWASPTIVI IESII T 1944 CLASSES Thelma Hench 44-10 is instructing for Mid-West in Kansas City, Mo.* * Wilma Miller 44-9 is instructing for Charlie Toth's in Kansas City and received quite a \ITite-up in the K. C. Star over her adjustment to Civilian Flying.* * *Beryl ~rens 44-3 is in Abilene, Texas with the CAA as an Aircraft Corru~unicator ACS station there.* * ~Rose Reese in 44-2, Nancy Lowe, Lillian Glezen, Sarah J. Allhouse, Barbara Hershey, all of 44-9 and Betty Fulbright 44-10 are all in Albuquerque with the C.A.A. as Cornmunicator~. * * * From latest reports Nancelu Hanks 44-6, who, as you know, is with the Red Cross, is in Calcutta, India.* * * Ruth Rees 44-10 has just rece ived her Instructor's Rating and is looking for a position near Fort Worth or Dallas.* * *Jerrie Philips 44-10 is instructing at a field near Dallas. Her brother recently returned from Japanese prison camp.* * * Itenny IIHall 44-6 has been riding in P the rear seat of an AT-6 how corre"Pennyltand how is that broken foot coming along?* * Mary Paul Macleod 44-3 motored to San Francisco from Pennsylvania she took in all the points of interest along the way but decided against any more mule rides after a trip to the bottom of the Grand Canyon,* * *Edna Harrison 44-6 is back in Ylashingtonville, New York, where she and her husband have reopened their Printing & Publ ishing Company.* * * Jerry Tribble 44-6 is studying Spanish now, so she can talk with her students as most of them are South Americans. Jerry ~~rks as a Link Instructor at Corpus Christi, Texas.* * *Ann Henry 44-7 is attending Texas Univ~rsity to get her degree in zoology.* * * Kay Kleinecke 44-9 is attending N.T.S.T.C. and majoring in pre-engineering.* * * Ann Atkinson 44-9 is back in Mundy, Texas helping her dad in the food store.* * *Winnie Jones 44-7 is working at Goodfellow Field for Major Urban.* * *Esther Cuddington 44-9 is working on her Instructor's Rating and doing some charter work in a PT-19.* * *Mary Breidenbach, Polly Canney and Daisy Vaughan all of 44-6 vrere recently in an automobile accident in Washington, D. C. When we last heard they were feeling much better here's to a speedy recovery to you all~t~ * * * Dorothy Ferguson 44-9 vacationed in Mexico recently.* * *Doris Anderson and Edna Maginnis 44-8 are in the state of Washington with four other exWasps studying for Corrnnunications for the C. A. A. * * *CharlJ'!l ItRosalt Creger 44-10 has joined the A. R. C.* * * Pat Pateman 43-5 and Dolores Lamb 44-10 are openinG up a lunch wagon or hamburger stand at Monrovia Airport lots of luck galst~~ * * * Jo Ann Par~y 44-4 is instructing on PT-19s for Columbus Airways in Georgia.* * * Odean Bishop 44-4 works in Army Operations at Langley Field, Va.* * *Georgia Gehring 44-6 is now teaching English and Civics in the Columbus JUnior High School and feels somewhat consoled because all her boys are interested in flying.** Betty Ferrol Martin 44-9 is instructing at Knolle Flying Service, Alice, Texas.* * *Ann Hopkins Dance 44-1 intends to instruct on the Link at Corpus Christi, Texas.* * * Larry Rutledge 44-6 is stationed at Engle, New Mexico Box 56, A.C.S working for the C.A.A. in Comnunications she would appreciate some mail so let's get busy classmates she promises answers to all who write must be pretty lonely at those C. A. A. stations. * * *

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"ViASP'rIV'ITIES" 1944 CUSSES "Pinky" Brier 44-9 and her Major Joe are getting everything in tip-top shape again at Tri-City Airport, San Bernardino, Calif your Editor just returned from a ten days stay with them mile getting her Instructor's Rating they surely are great people so if Tri-City is enroute be sure to make it a "must" stop for you their hospitality is unsurpassed. Saw Ethel Sheehy and "her Bill" while there in fact we all had dinner to-gether one night Mrs. Sheehy is 'Yiorking in the Real Estate Business and eager to get in the air thinking of buying a ship and start flying .again.* * * "Pete" Pedersen 44-6 is teaching school at Storm Lake, Iowa, there's a local field and "Pete" is busy working on that Instructor's rating too. * * *Jamece Paxon 44-8 is back in Los Angeles working for the City Health Department she had dinner with your Editor and Business Manager while Ava Hamm 44-6 was visiting them-Ava flew in via American while on a short vacation from Globe Aircraft.

ME1.iBERSHIP DUES Because of the many letters we have received containing inquiries about dues, we are hereby notifying you that your 1946 membership dues are owing on or before the 19th of December, 1945. Make all checks or money orders payable to "Order of Fifinella". Mail to 3633 Lavell Drive, Los Angeles 41, California. October Newsletters were sent to all members in good standing with Return Postage Guaranteed. More than sixty (60) have been returned with no forwarding addresses. Accordingly, if anyone knows of any ember who has not received the October Newsletter, ask them to send a card enclosing their correct address to Betty Williams, 3633 Lavell Drive, Los Angeles 41, California.

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Dan Cupid's Log Book 1943 Classes Mildred McLelland 43-6 married Lt. Theodore J. Christiansen in Sebring, Florida on April loth. They met when stationed at San Marcos, Texas.* * * Marjorie Logan 43-6 writes that she expects Dan Cupid to tie the bonds in December. Looks like wedding bells along with jingle be lIs. 1!ar jorie Jane Ketcham 43-1 announces her engageIll:mt Captain to Milton L. Deacon, who was attached to the 15th Air Force and stationed in Italy. Sicily and North Africa as a Radar Expert. She expects to be married during the Christmas Holidays at home. * * * Mickey Stevenson 43-7 married Cpl. Fred Jennings on September 8th. He is now stationed at Luke Field.* * * Win Wood 43-7 married Lt. Barney Duane in Coral Gables. Florida on October 12th. 1944 Classes Miki Allen 44-8 married Major Joseph-Carter on August 22nd in the Rectory of St. Roch's Church. St. Louis. Mo.* * * Maryln Holcomb 44-5 is now proud "Mama" of a little 6irl born July 12th. * * * Virginia Eatherton 44-9 married Clay M. Spear. former D. W. T. Navigation and XC Instructor. on June 8. Post Chapel. AAB, Memphis. Tenn. * * * Irene Robertson 44-5 announces the arrival of Flight One-Prize Cargo Marlowe Irene Date Oct. lOth Gross cargo weight at landing 71bs.5i OZ.* * * Decker Peterson. Kay Cleverly Peterson's (44-2) little co-pilot has com thru his instrument course and is now kicking starb'd rudder in his crib.* * * Eloise Huffines 44-4 was married on June 4th to Edward B. Jones an ex~arine. * * * Ruth Reilly married E. Z. McCubbin on July 19th. Mac is with the FCC they expect to leave Alaska around Christmas destination indefinite perhaps Hawaii.* * * Edie Smith. rather Mrs. Donald I. Beal, we should say is expecting a visit from Sir Stork in January~~* * * Suzette Van Daell 44-10 married Ensign H. Thomas Douglas 3rd Air Corps. U.S.N.R. on October 20th in St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Mount Vernon. New York. After a trip to Victoria. B. C. they will make their hom in Anacortes. Washington, while Ensign Douglas is stationed at Oak Harbor. Washington * * Pat Collins 44-6 was married to Joseph R. Hughes. Jr. Lieutenant in the Air Corps on Monday, October 1st. 1945 in Lincoln, Nebraska * * R. "Eddie" Murphy Wischmeyer 44-3 is now the mother of Karen Ann. born September 26th her husband is discharged from the Air Corps and expects to enter Purdue University and fortunately there is an airport connected with the University. so they are planning to do some flying

* *
,) "' Latest report has it that Glen H. McLain. Flight Commander in Primary. is now managing the Interstate Theatres in Texas. * Clinnie Lovvorn. former staff advisor is still working at Avenger and helping to close it again * *H. L. Robertson. Primary Instructor. R.L. Harris, Instrument Instruc:j;or. llr. I Curly, David Lamm. Jerry Boxberger and Tischler. according to the latest news are in and around Casablanca with T. W. A.

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To Members of the Order: Some of my plans as discussed in the October issue of the Newsletter have been delayed due to the fact that I have been recuperating from an appendectomy. The orders for articles pertinent to the Memorial Fund are really coming in fast and furiously. Orders have doubled in the past ten days. Just filled thirty-~!o orders to-day. We now have every item on hand to mail to you but the rings. Betty and I ordered gold rings so that we could approve them before ~~ sent your orders to be filled. We rece ived our rings last week and have sent them back for a new die to be made. We have been promised that they will set aside other work and that we will have our orders filled by Christmas. Keep your fingers crossed~ t You would not have liked the rings as they were and if we cannot have something that "e feel will please you, then we would rather' cancel the whole order. Qualification Forms have increased tremendousl;y, but there are still a few hundred outstanding. Let's try to have them all in before the next Newsletter goes to press. We went to San Francisco the week of the 19th of November where we had an appointment with Mr. Funsten, SUpervising Examiner of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, at which time we discussed the possibilities of a Federal Credit Union for the Order. The information should be received relative to the Insurance Plan before this Newsletter is mailed to you, and if so, I shall enclose the necessary information. Had quite a session with the Attorney the other day and the By-laws are now being drawn up in final form. Hope 01' Santa is good to all of you and that the New Year brings you happiness. Sincerely, Hally Stires Business Manager LOS ANGELES CHAPTER Two meetings of the Los Angeles Chapter have been held since the last Ne~letter went to press. The following officers have been elected: President, Eileen Evans 44-3; Vice-Presidents, Joan Smythe 44-7 and Maurine Brunsvold 43-6; Secretary-Treasurer, Elin G. Harte 43-3. There were many discussions concerning the best way to establish a Memorial; our place as veterans of World War II; our place in aviation, etc. Social functions began in November with a poker party at Eileen's
home
I

),

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RESERVE S~TUS or GI BILL FORWASPs???

STACK UP IT

Here is a short comparative analysis of the pros and cons of the problem of WASP status relative to the need and desirability fur the initiation and realization of legislation establishing: (1) Reserve Status (2) Privileges similar to the GI Bill of Rights. '!bere has been much thoughtful discussion a nd werk by many members of the Order of Fifinella. These points are a compilation of the problema and ideas of many-WASPs. At the conclusion of the presentation of these points is a questionnaire to be filled out by all ex-WASPs. The policy of the Executive Board of the Order of Fifinella will be determined from your responses, not from any personal point of view of any or all members of the board. The need for a unified and coordinated policy in this matter is urgen t. If the majori ty of considered and valid opinions is positive, action will be taken accordingly. If the majority need and opinion is negative it is essential that it is known by all WASPsso that time and energy will not be diverted from cri tical activities and needs. PRESENTATION REASONSWHY SUCH OF LIDISLATION VALUABLE IS ANDNECESSARY: 1. Compensation should be paid to the families or dependants of those WASP who were killed in line of <iJ.ty equivalent totm t which would have been paid if WASP had been on mili tary status while in active service. 2. WASP,disabled in Service, who were or are hospitalized under Civil Service Regulations should have continued full military medical care 3. Individuals that be entitled to educational of the GI Bill of Rights. served as WASP may be in need of, and should and loan facilities similar to the privileges

4. Prestige and the historical record should be clarified and determined: that Women Airforce Service Pilots were the first women in .American History to serve during time of war or in peace as rated personnel on AAFair crews. (Contrary to release by Navy public relations that WAVE personnel who were trained and served on training missions as Navigators were the first women in A.Ioo rican History to serve on military air crews) 5. There is Forces in having overall planning as a cadre for a able for purposes 6. veterans strategic value to the War Department and the Air records and reserve status defined by legislation in and need, in case of emergency. WASP group could serve training unit. Value of training should be made availof national welfare. to

Preference in Civil Service and civilian employment granted should be made available to WASP on a comparable basis.

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PRESENTATICN OF REASONS WHY SUCH LIDISLATION IS NOT TIMELY OR NECESSARY: 1. Legislation demanding appropriations to be expended in retroactive compensation (equivalent to Army coverage) is almost impossible to pass. 2. WASPs who were disabled during service had ARMY medical care while in service and are now covered by Civil Service compensation. 3. There are'comparable difficulties in obtaining GI loans to those encountered in obtaining commercial loans. Approximately .01 of loans applied for have been granted. Loans are only underwritten by the Government; applicant must meet usual requirements for bank loans. 4. It would be difficult to prove that any ~ASP's education was interrupted as WASPs were volunteers. Men who volunteered would have eventually faced draft under selective service. WASPs were in receipt of approximately :~20,000.00 worth of high horsepowered training and flight time. Some universities are accrediting as much as 22hrs. for Avenger work. Training and education for peace tim living is mre acute for veterans whose t;.raining was for combat, and are now without a peacetime skill. 5. Due to the increasingly rapid reduction in the roster of available women pilots by marriage and childbirth WASP primary value in an emergency would be as organizational and training cadre. 6. The following differenc es in legi slation should be understood: (a) A civilian bill providing privileges similar to the GI bill would not put WASP on Reserve Status wi th the attendant hours of flying time provided for Reserve Officers. (b) A bill placing WASP on reserve status is improbably in view of the history of failure of legislation proposing to Yili tarize WASP while actually in service, and backed by powerfUl testimony and statement of need to the House Military Affairs Commi ttee by General Arnold. 7. There is a strong possibility of harm being done to WASP now engaged in competitive commercial flying, by renewal of the old feud, prejudice and cri ticism, directed at WASP as a group who have had much and are primarily concerned with matters of self interest only. Position of all active women pilots highly. competitive due to approximate 190,000 pilots being discharged from AAF and the estimated meximum consumption in civil aviation to 1950 of 37,000 pilots. 8. WASPs are eligible on present status to join several Veterans organizations. Several have already done so. The American Veterans League 1s one with open membership.

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9. The logical culmination of such thinking is to attach all civilian groups that served in World War II to legislation providing such privileges. With equal claims are Red Cross overseas and continental workers and U.S.O. groups. All civilian defense groups would soon be compiling reasons backing agitation. There is no time for this strain on the budget or critical problems of World Government. CHECK VffiAT YOU RECEIVED AND WHAT YOU HCl.VE WH.4.T YOU NEED. WHAT THE ECONOMY OF 'IHE UNITED STATES NEEDS WHAT THE PROPOSITf5N OF WORLD GOV'ERNMET'J"'T NEEDS WF.AT THE PEOPLES OF THE WORLD NEED IN CLOTHES, FOOD, MEDICINE, SHELTER WHAT THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES WHO STILL HAVE NOT NEED. STAOK IT UP THEN ANSWER THESE QUESTI ONS AND MAIL IMMEDIATELY NEWSLETTER EDITOR. TO YOUR

NAME CLASS PRESENT OCCUPATION ATTENDING COLLEGE? WHERE? CREDI'IS GIVEN NOT NOH ATTENDING COLLEGE BUT DESIRE TO COMl'LETE SCHOOLIID INTERRUPTED BY Wll.SP SERVICE

----------------------

--------------------------------

DISABILITY INCURRED WHILE IN SERVICE AS WASP WHERE COMPENSATION R1~CEIVED HOSPlTALIZ~TION RECEIVED MEDICAL Ci'.RE '(ADDITIONAL~)-R-E-C-E-I-VED----MEDICAL CARE AND HOSPITALIZA.TION REQUIRED BUT NOT COVERED OR RIDEIVED NEED OR INTEREST IN GOVERNMENT LOANS QUALIFICATIONS (EQUIVALENT TO BANK LOANS..;..)

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DO YOU THINK WE, AS AN ORGANIZATION OR AS INDIVIDUALS SHOULD INITIATE A CAMPAIGN (PROVIDING A PROPOSED ONE CAN BE LOCATED) FOR LIDISLATION COVERING PRIVILEGES Sn.rn...AR TO THE GI BILL_? _ FOR A BILL PROPOSING RESERVE STATUS? --...,"="' IF YOUR ANSWER TO THE ABOVE IS AFFIID/ATIVE, WHAT WOULD YOU DO TO ACCOMPLISH THE NECESSARY PROGRAM OF ACTION? _

REMARKS,

OPINIONS

AND ADDITIONAL

INFORMA.TI ON

COMPILED BY . CLARA :TO M\RSH CHAIRMAN, ORDER OF FIFINELLA

** *

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FLYER'S HALO

Over the vast vmite snowfields of the sky V~ sped, The earth below, so distant; gold sun overhead. A pilot's younG wise hands and watchful eagle brain GuidinG us through the wonders of the Gods' domain, Slitting the chiffon Gauzes of a misty cloud Heart of a moonstone heart of silence. Only the loud Uonotony of motors, muted thunder, in our ears. Awe and wonderrrent still inc all our puny fears. No wonder gods are gods who look on beauty such as this, Beauty that lives with stars and feels the moon's chill kiss, World of the sun, burthplace of the haaling rain. It ~~s ecstasy that mimicked throbbing pain. Flesh was forgotten hands and lips. Only one sense Held us in thrall our thirsting eyes drinking the intertse White wine of glory spilled into our dazzled gaze. It was high noon. The zenith-sun brushed gilrling rays Over th3 sculptured clouds. The Pilot turned, "Look down," he said. Vie looked to where a rainbow burned In virgin-blue, spring green and filtered heart's-blood red Blended with sorrow's purple. FollowinG as we sped, Within the circle of that flaming jevrelled arc Lay the stark shadow of our plane. The mortal mark That man had dared to stamp on the immortal sky. In that awed splendid moment I gave thanks that I Was born into an age of miracles vmen lOOn Invaded kingdoms that the gods had ruled 'till then, When chosen youths with winged hearts soared from the crowds To fling flane-haloed shadows on the startled clouds.

..
~

Do.n Blanding

.,
~.'"

~~