Over 1,000 American women served as WASPs—Women Air Force Service Pilots—during World War II. This compelling account relates the history of the organization, from initial resistance by military leadership to the eventual assignment of noncombat flying jobs to female pilots. Personal stories of several of the WASPs draw on a repeated theme of brave, skilled women who flew despite facing many obstacles. Although the pilots were required to comply with all military rules and regulations, the women didn’t have military status so had to buy their own uniforms and pay for their food and housing. They worked without health benefits and were unable to receive honors for exemplary performance or when they died in duty. Regularly harassed and faced with dismissive sexist attitudes by their male commanders and peers, the women showed dedication to their jobs and a willingness to take on any task, all while turning in well-documented high levels of performance. An epilogue describes the changing role of female military pilots since WWII, including a 1977 bill giving WASPS military status, and is followed by an extensive bibliography, notes, and time line. (Age 11 and older)