Bernice "Bee" Falk Haydu
W.A.S.P. Women's Airforce Service Pilot, WWII
Artwork and Research is by;
Sir Ernie Hamilton Boyette
Aviation Art Store
On the left, this is Bee soon after becoming a pilot. On the right is Bee today, active with WASP activities.
Here is Bee and a PT-17.
Here is Bee and an AT-6 Texan at Avenger Field, Sweetwater, Texas.
Print Size 12x18"
750 Poster Prints Published.
Poster autographed by WASP pilot, Bernice Haydu. $40.00
Poster autographed by WASP pilot, Betty Blake. $40.00
Poster print only. $18.00
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Bernice "Bee" Falk Haydu
The formation of a group of Army Air Corps
Women pilots began early in 1941 when the famous woman air racer, Jackie Cochran
approached General Henry “Hap” Arnold about the development of a training
program. At his suggestion Jackie recruited 24 experienced pilots to serve with
the ATA (Air Transport Auxiliary) program in
Jackie was invited to meet with the President and his wife, Eleanor Roosevelt. At the luncheon Jackie approached Mrs. Roosevelt with the idea of training women in military aircraft. Mrs. Roosevelt was a major supporter of this idea. She was also instrumental in recognizing the Tuskegee Military Airmen.
Another noted woman pilot, Nancy Love, was
approached by the Air Transport Command to form a ferrying service using
experienced women pilots without the need for military training. The recruits
were notified to report to
Jackie Cochran returned from
In August, 1943 both the WAFS and WFTD were joined to become the Women Airforce Service Pilots. Jackie Cochran was in command of the entire WASP program and Nancy Love was in command of the women pilots who flew in the ferrying command which included WAFS and some graduate WASP. The duties of the WASP expanded to fly for the Training Command performing all stateside duties.
The Women’s Airforce Service Pilot program was disbanded before they officially became military personnel. The total miles flown by the women pilots was 60,000,000 delivering 12,652 aircraft from single engine to four-engine B-17’s and B-24’s. They exceeded all expectations and flew every aircraft manufactured for WWII from the smallest to the largest, including the B-29 and all pursuits. One thousand one hundred and two women successfully served as WASP. Some of them were permanently injured and thirty-eight lost their lives in the line of duty. The program was deactivated December 20, 1944. The WASP served with distinction and it wasn’t until November, 1977 when President Carter signed the bill recognized the WASP as veterans of WWII.
The AT-6 trainer was a proven favorite with
the women pilots. The aircraft illustrated above was from Avenger Field,
Bee Haydu was in the Oval Office in Washington D. C. on July 1, 2009 for the signing of the WASP Congressional Gold Medal bill by President Obama. Finally the WASP have been properly recognized for their efforts.
WASP pilot
Bernice Falk Haydu pulls back the chair of President Barack Obama after signing
S.614, a bill to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the Women Airforce Service
Pilots, in the Oval Office Wednesday, July 1, 2009. At far left is WASP pilot
Elaine Danforth Harmon, and at right is Lorraine H. Rodgers. Rep. Ileana
Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.) is at right in green. Current US Air Force pilots are in
the background. Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) was established during
World War II, and from 1942 to 1943, more than a thousand women joined, flying
sixty million miles of non-combat military missions. Of the women who received
their wings as Women Airforce Service Pilots, approximately 300 are living
today. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
President Barack
Obama with WASP pilots Elaine Danforth Harmon, left, Bernice Falk Haydu and
Lorraine H. Rodgers, right, after signing S.614, a bill to award a Congressional
Gold Medal to the Women Airforce Service Pilots, in the Oval Office Wednesday,
July 1, 2009. Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) was established during World
War II, and from 1942 to 1943, more than a thousand women joined, flying sixty
million miles of non-combat military missions. Of the women who received their
wings as Women Airforce Service Pilots, approximately 300 are living today. Also
pictured are active duty US Air Force pilots and Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen
(R-Fla.) (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
President Barack Obama signs S.614, a bill to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the Women Airforce Service Pilots, in the Oval Office Wednesday, July 1, 2009. Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) was established during World War II, and from 1942 to 1943, more than a thousand women joined, flying sixty million miles of non-combat military missions. Of the women who received their wings as Women Airforce Service Pilots, approximately 300 are living today. Flanking the President are Bernice Falk Haydu, far left, Elaine Danforth Harmon, and Lorraine H. Rodgers, right. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.) is at far right. Behind the President are active duty US Air Force pilots. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
Painting by Sir Hamilton
This painting
is 2x4 feet
Historical Research and text by Bernice Falk Haydu and Sir Hamilton. Artwork by Sir Ernie Hamilton Boyette.
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Posted March 16, 2009