Honoring Pioneers of Women in Aviation: #HonorTheWASP

By Tamara Casey, AURA cofounder

This year, Memorial Day weekend feels particularly special for me, because of a woman pilot named Elizabeth P. Hartz Carroll. Or, perhaps more accurately, because of the memorial that marks her final resting place.

AURA cofounder, Tamara Casey, honoring WASP, Elizabeth P. Hartz Carroll, on Memorial Day weekend, 2023.

As a member of Women in Aviation International (WAI), I know a bit about the organization’s effort to honor the Women Airforce Service Pilots group, better known as WASPs. So, this year I did just that: I went to Lt. Carroll’s burial site at the Redeemer Columbarium in Baltimore, just a short drive from my home, to pay tribute to her service.

Quick history: WASP actually had its roots in the Women’s Auxiliary Ferry Squadron and Women’s Flying Training Detachment, founded in 1942 after the outbreak of World War II. In 1943, the two organizations merged to create WASP. From 1943 to 1944, over 1,000 women flew over 60 million miles ferrying aircraft and personnel, towing targets and other transport duties, as well as training pilots. WASP flew every military aircraft including Boeing B-17 and B-29 bombers.

Let’s note that, technically, Memorial Day honors those who died in military service. Thankfully, Lt. Carroll survived her service, but 38 other WASPs did not. Some were literally shot during target practice; they were sometimes ordered to tow targets so that ground troops could practice firing live ammunition at moving sleeves behind their planes. One key purpose for the WASP was to free male pilots for combat roles.

Elizabeth P. Hartz Carroll, 1911-2018

Even though they were active, WASPs had scant military standing. When they died during the war, their families paid for their bodies to be shipped home, and they were buried without military honors. They were disbanded after the war in December 1944, and their records were classified and sealed until 1977, when Congress passed legislation granting WASPs the veteran benefits they earned.

While many of us might be dismayed that it took a long time, we can be pleased with the increased public recognition these selfless servants have received since then. Indeed, over the years, meaningful progress has been made in honoring their sacrifices and dedication to our country – such as 2009 legislation providing the Congressional Gold Medal to members of WASP, including Lt. Carroll, and 2016 legislation allowing for the interment of WASPs in Arlington National Cemetery. And thanks to organizations like WAI, the courageous WASPs are among those fondly remembered each Memorial Day.

Born in 1911, Lt. Carroll obtained a bachelor’s degree from Wellesley College in 1940. In December 1942, she obtained her pilot’s license at the old Curtis-Wright Airport in Northwest Baltimore. When there was a call for women pilots for WASP, Lt. Carroll stepped up to audition along with 25,000 other applicants. She was one of 1,830 women who were accepted. During her two-year career as a WASP, she never lost a plane, although she did land once at LaGuardia with an engine on fire.

In a Library of Congress interview, Lt. Carroll was asked what she liked about flying. She replied: “Oh, the thrill of it.” I get it; that’s also sort of why I’m a pilot. The thrill – the rest is details.

As I visited her burial site over the weekend, I felt immense gratitude for Lt. Carroll and her trailblazing sister pilots who risked their lives to do their part for the war effort – without receiving full veteran benefits. They and their families funded their own way to training sites; they bought their own uniforms; and they paid for their room and board. I believe it’s much more compelling that despite all that, they still served so admirably.

On this Memorial Day, I ask you to join me in remembering all our heroes who have sacrificed so much for this country – and maybe a special nod to the members of WASP (#HonortheWASP), as well as those intent on ensuring they receive rightfully deserved recognition.