Image above: Courtesy of CoinNews.net
Recognition of WASPs
Courtesy of No Quarter USA
Cochran and her program left a powerful legacy. At first, however, WASPs were forgotten because of their sealed records. But, with their strong push for militarization, their attempts were finally noticed in 1977 when President Carter signed a bill reading, "the Women Air Force Service Pilots as having served on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States for purposes of laws administered by the Veterans Administration" (NPR.org). Bee Haydu reported that no WASP, including Cochran, was invited to the signing; however, they still received a great deal of publicity.
Courtesy of Wings Across America
This is the Congressional Bill President Carter signed.
Courtesy of Wings Across America, Bruce Arnold on Right
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Bruce Arnold, Hap Arnold's son, was key in their recognition. WASPs remember his help, saying: "He was a lobbyist in D.C. and knew many of the Congressional people. He convinced Sen. Barry Goldwater that he should help us with the bill before Congress to make the WASP Veterans of WWII. Without his help and knowledge, I do not think our bill would have passed" (From an interview with WASP Bee Haydu). "He was the most important person [in getting WASP recognition]. With his connections in Congress, especially with Sen. Goldwater, he helped organize the lobbying effort. We met considerable opposition, to our surprise, but the bill managed to pass with some parliamentary maneuvering" (From an interview with Lucile Wise).
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waspS Receive the congressional gold medal
Courtesy of Department of Defense.gov
The WASPs felt triumphant in changing the precedent and finally receiving the recognition they deserved. Most of the WASPs accepted individual awards and stopped pushing for other medals. But, in 2009, the WASPs were recognized with the Congressional Gold Medal, were invited to the signing accompanied by President Obama and given a ceremony in the White House in 2010.
Courtesy of PBS News Hour YouTube Channel
