American Experience (1988)

Episode Overview

In World War II, over a thousand women enlisted to serve in the U.S. military as pilots. Among them were wives, mothers, actresses, and debutantes who became part of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPS). They tested aircraft, transported planes, and collectively flew 60 million miles. Tragically, thirty-eight women lost their lives in service. However, political tensions and resentment led to the sudden end of their vital contributions, delaying the chance for women to again challenge gender barriers in aviation for three decades.