Telling the history of WASP or Women Airforce Service Pilots, during World War II, is the focus of a new display launched during Women’s History Month at a museum in South St. Paul.
“We’re honoring a local connection to a bigger thing,” said Amy Lauria, wing leader with the Commemorative Airforce Minnesota Wing Museum (CAF MN Wing) which created the tribute to the Minnesota women of WASP.
According to the National Air and Space Museum, from 1942 to 1944 more than 25,000 women applied to join what became known as WASP with only 1,100 accepted. These women flew over 60 million miles during World War II completing different transport duties and flying every aircraft available including the P-51 Mustang and large four-engine B-17 and B-29 bombers.
The CAF MN Wing honors Minnesota pilots like Elizabeth "Betty" Wall Strohfus from Faribault, Minnesota. While in WASP Strohfus towed targets for cadet gunnery target practice.
“She was very active to the end, traveling, accepting awards like the Congressional Gold Medal and charming her audiences with her charisma and her wonderful stories,” said retired United States Air Force Lt. Col. Caroline “Blaze” Jensen. Jensen was a friend of Strohfus and is a member of the CAF MN Wing Museum. She started flying gliders in the Air Force Academy 30 years ago.
“When I saw “Top Gun” in 1986 I wanted nothing more than to be a fighter pilot,” Jensen recalled. “I was discouraged to learn that laws prohibited women from combat and flying combat aircraft. The story of the WASP, and the fact that they flew all the aircraft in every mission except combat inspired me to pursue my goals.”
Jensen’s career includes flying more than 200 combat hours in an F-16 during Operation Iraqi Freedom. She is also the first female reserve officer to fly with the prestigious Thunderbirds, the USAF Air Demonstration Squadron, showcasing her incredible skills and clearing the runway for other women to consider aviation.
Volunteers hope the WASP stories affect visitors, similarly, encouraging women and girls to pursue aviation. “It’s our duty to share where we have come from and what we’re doing now so that future generations can continue to break glass ceilings,” said Emmy Dillon, B-25 Pilot and member of the CAF MN Wing Museum.
Dillon started flying when she was 15 and earned her private pilot’s license when she was in high school. She began flying professionally as a ferry pilot, then as a fixed-wing air ambulance pilot, then as a charter pilot and assistant chief pilot. Today Dillon flies for an international cargo airline.
“I have so many amazing memories and flights of note, but some of my favorites involve flying “Miss Mitchell” with the Commemorative Air Force Minnesota Wing, sharing her with the public and honoring veterans,” Dillon recalled. “Miss Mitchell” is a B-25 bomber introduced in 1941 and flown during World War II. It was named in honor of Brigadier General William "Billy" Mitchell, a pioneer of U.S. military aviation. “Miss Mitchell” is on display at the CAF MN Wing Museum.
“It’s amazing how a trip to a museum, conversation with someone, or a discovery flight could change the trajectory of someone’s future,” Dillon commented. “A three-minute conversation changed my life and is why I’ve pursued aviation the way I have.”
“Representation matters,” said Lauria. “We have a lot of young girls at the museum from as young as five or six years old who see women have done this before and that matters if they want to fly or be a mechanic.” Lauria has volunteered at the CAF MN Wing since she was a kid. She even met her husband there in 2002.
Lauria and the other members invite the public to celebrate Women’s History Month at the museum with the WASP commemoration which features personal artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia.
“It provides a well-rounded representation of the WASPs' history, showcasing their determination, patriotism and groundbreaking role in aviation, paving the way for future generations of female aviators,” Dillon said.
You can see this tribute to Minnesota members of WASP at the CAF MN Wing Museum located at Fleming Field, 310 Airport Rd. Hangar 3 in South St. Paul. Get up close to the museum’s rare collection of military aircraft, display cases and motor pool vehicles. Depending on the day, you could even see the aircraft in flight. CAF MN Wing Museum is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are accepted and appreciated. Learn more at: https://www.cafmn.org