Of the 1830 candidates admitted to the WASP program, 1074 graduated and served as WASPs. The WASPs delivered 12,650 aircraft of 77 types and models to military destinations around the world during WWII. WASPs delivered 50 percent of the fighter aircraft from aircraft manufacturers to Air Corps installations. Thirty-eight WASPs died serving their country as members of the Women Air Service Pilots.
The induction of Ms. Helm and Ms. Seymour into the Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame pays tribute to their aviation skills and their service to our country during WWII. As WASPs, their duel-induction is intended to also symbolically recognize all their WASP sisters who served our nation using their piloting skills during the war.
Note:
Nearly 200 WASPs, including Ruth Helm and Dawn Seymour, were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. It is the highest honor for civilians.
Past Honorees: In 2000 the Navajo Code Talkers and in 2006 the Tuskegee Airmen