My step-mother, Isabelle McRae Hale, was a WASP, and a registered nurse, and finally gave up flying when she was older because "it just wasn't fun having to fly IFR all the time" because they lived in San Diego. She had amazing stories to tell of the camaraderie of the WASPS, and of the 99's before the war. Plus, it was fun when another kid would ask "What did your step-mother do", and you could say "Well, she was a multi-engine instrument-rated bomber pilot". Hard to top that one.
Better late than never. Heck, so many other groups didn't get much glory either. The ground crewmen hardly ever are acknowledged for their invaluable service, the pilots and gunners get nearly all the glory usually. Those fellows were literally the reason the flyboys had success.
+Kaputt You should send Naomi Parker Fraley a Facebook friend request to read about her time as a Rosie. You'll find some of her stories are unbelievable and see that she maybe the most famous Rosie of them all! She is now 94 years of age living in Northern Ca. Also she has a web site: www.naomiparkerfraley.com/index.html
"25,000 applied, 1,800 were accepted and 1,000 graduated". They had standards in those days. It was tough, but it was better than what we have now, in my opinion.
My step-mother, Isabelle McRae Hale, was a WASP, and a registered nurse, and finally gave up flying when she was older because "it just wasn't fun having to fly IFR all the time" because they lived in San Diego. She had amazing stories to tell of the camaraderie of the WASPS, and of the 99's before the war. Plus, it was fun when another kid would ask "What did your step-mother do", and you could say "Well, she was a multi-engine instrument-rated bomber pilot". Hard to top that one.
+Michael Hale Want to bet?
@@naomiparkerfraley9656 Well, we all want to hear...
Anyone in SOE or US equivalent?
Thank you, ma'am, for your service.
My mother was a nurse in the Army in WW2. She helped save lives. Where's her gold medal?
Amazing ladies. Sad that society did not recognise your achievements at that time.
Better late than never. Heck, so many other groups didn't get much glory either. The ground crewmen hardly ever are acknowledged for their invaluable service, the pilots and gunners get nearly all the glory usually. Those fellows were literally the reason the flyboys had success.
The WASP are my heroes. Blessings, Pastor Jeff
+Kaputt You should send Naomi Parker Fraley a Facebook friend request to read about her time as a Rosie. You'll find some of her stories are unbelievable and see that she maybe the most famous Rosie of them all! She is now 94 years of age living in Northern Ca. Also she has a web site: www.naomiparkerfraley.com/index.html
Thank you for sharing this thought! :)
Very cool video
"25,000 applied, 1,800 were accepted and 1,000 graduated". They had standards in those days. It was tough, but it was better than what we have now, in my opinion.
This means also there were at least 25.000 trained female pilots at that time. Not just a few tomboys but 25000+ pilots good enougt to dare to apply.
This woman being canadian, could also seek to the british ATA. Easier to come in and with good pay.