WASP of the Ferry Command is the story of the women ferrypilots who flew more than nine million miles in 72 differentaircraft-115,000 pilot hours-for the Ferrying Division, AirTransport Command, during World War II. In the spring of 1942,Col. William H. Tunner lacked sufficient male pilots to movevital trainer aircraft from the factory to the training fields. NancyLove found 28 experienced women pilots who could do the job.They, along with graduates of the army's flight training school forwomen-established by Jacqueline Cochran-performed thisduty until fall 1943, when manufacture of trainers ceased. In December 1943 the women ferry pilots went back to school tolearn to fly high-performance WWII fighters, known as pursuits.By January 1944 they began delivering high performance P-51s,47s, and 39s. Prior to D-Day and beyond, P-51s were crucial tothe air war over Germany. They had the range to escort B-17sand B-24s from England to Berlin and back on bombing raidsthat ultimately brought down the German Reich. Getting thosepursuits to the docks in New Jersey for shipment abroad becamethese women's primary job. Ultimately, more than one hundredWASP pursuit pilots were engaged in this vital movement ofaircraft.
Sarah Byrn Rickman is the author of an award-winning WASP novel, Flight from Fear; The Originals: The Women's Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron of World War II; and Nancy Love and the WASP Ferry Pilots of World War II (UNT Press). She is the recipient of the Seventh Annual Combs Gates Award by the National Aviation Hall of Fame for her outstanding work on the women pilots of World War II. She lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA.
"WASP of the Ferry Command is highly readable for those of either lay or scholarly interest. As important, it advances understanding of the range of attitudes toward not just the WASP or even women service members in general, but the transformative social forces unleashed during World War II."--Journal of Military History "A compelling account of the unorthodox women who brilliantly helped sustain the vital flow of military aircraft around the country at the height of World War II. Rickman vividly draws back the curtain on the 'invisible' WASP who, unbeknownst to the public, seamlessly delivered thousands of military aircraft around the U.S."--Dorothy Cochrane, Curator of the National Air and Space Museum "This is an illuminating and deeply researched book on the role of women during a pivotal time in US military history. Sarah Rickman's passion for this subject is evident in her detailed accounts. I discovered part of my family's history that I had never known."--Suzanne Tunner Hudson, daughter of Gen. W.H. Tunner and Margaret Ann Hamilton (Tunner) "For the serious researcher and persons interested in WWII history, WASP of the Ferry Command provides an in depth view and evaluation of women's experience in a branch of Army Air Corps service. The personal stories speak to the meaning and value of service and sacrifice for our country, only fully recognized some thirty-three years later."--Colonel Charles McGee, Tuskegee Airman, United States Air Force (retired) "These courageous women were decades ahead of their time. They served their country when called. Sarah Rickman tells their story through meticulous research and personal interviews with these amazing pilots and their families."--Robert Baker Patterson, grandson of Col. Robert H. Baker, Commanding Officer of the WAFS, New Castle Army Air Base, Wilmington, DE, 1942-1943 "With WASP of the Ferry Command, Sarah Byrn Rickman has gone above and beyond in her quest to document the true-life saga of these visionary and heroic aviators. Thanks to Rickman's devotion to historical accuracy and a gift for storytelling, the adventures, heartaches and triumphs of these inspiring trailblazers will not be forgotten. Get set to ride along with each of these dynamic and patriotic young women as they wing their way into history."--Ron Kaplan, Enshrinement Director, National Aviation Hall of Fame "Rickman's devotion to the women of the Ferrying Division is obvious once again. Her extensive use of letters, diaries, and oral histories allows the women to tell their own story in their own words. Their personality and love of both flying and their country come across loud and clear."--Katherine Sharp Landdeck, Ph.D., Director of Oral History, Texas Woman's University "Inasmuch as the WASPs have finally been getting their due, their experience and history are still somewhat obscure for many Americans. These women were trailblazers for the ladies that have come after them in our modern military. Any further recognition, as with this volume, can only help as their ranks dwindle and they face their final flight."--New York Journal of Books "[A] thorough, well-researched record of the derring-do and grit of these women in trying wartime conditions. . . . Rickman relates several gripping stories and gives the reader an appreciation for how hard women had to fight--and still do--to be taken seriously in the military."--History.net "Rickman's book addresses the continuous struggle for official approval for women to fly different types of increasingly sophisticated and more powerful aircraft, by not only the military 'Brass' but also the Congress, who regarded flying as 'men's business.' . . . This is a well-researched and presented book, with excellent anecdotal vignettes and compelling oral history."--Wanderingeducators.com "Sarah Byrn Rickman, probably the foremost expert on WASP history, has published WASP of the Ferry Command, a complete overview of the WASP ferry pilots. . . . Highly recommended for history buffs, adventure aficionados, and anyone willing to spend a few hours with some extraordinary real women."--Karavansara.live "Sarah Byrn Rickman's excellent new book completes her fine World War II trilogy focusing on the history, accomplishments and sacrifices of the Women's Airforce Service Pilots (WASP)."--Dallas Morning News With "WASP of the Ferry Command," Sarah Byrn Rickman has gone above and beyond in her quest to document the true-life saga of these visionary and heroic aviators. Thanks to Rickman s devotion to historical accuracy and a gift for storytelling, the adventures, heartaches and triumphs of these inspiring trailblazers will not be forgotten. Get set to ride along with each of these dynamic and patriotic young women as they wing their way into history. --Ron Kaplan, Enshrinement Director, National Aviation Hall of Fame "Rickman's devotion to the women of the Ferrying Division is obvious once again. Her extensive use of letters, diaries, and oral histories allows the women to tell their own story in their own words. Their personality and love of both flying and their country come across loud and clear."--Katherine Sharp Landdeck, Ph.D., Director of Oral History, Texas Woman s University"
