Memorandum, Deactivation of WASP

ADDRESS REPLY TO COMMANDING GENERAL. ARMY AIR FORCES FOPVICTORY WASHINGTON 25, D.C. BUY ENITED STATES WAR ATTENTION: HEADQUARTERS, ARMY AIR FORCES BONDS AND STAMPS WASHINGTON 1 October 1944 SUBJECT: Deactivation of WASP TO: Director of Women Pilots 1. The reduction in the flying training program and the changing war situation's bearing on availability and deployment of pilots make it evident that the WASP will soon become pilot material in excess of needs. 2. The wasps have well met the situation for which the women pilot program was activated. They have ably and loyally supplemented our activities during a time when a pilot shortage would have impaired the Air Forces' performance of its mission. They have served long enough to provide valuable data concerning their capabilities and versatility as a basis for future planning. They are serving, however, to release male pilots for other work and not to replace them. The time has arrived to plan the program's deactivation. 3. I have therefore directed that WASP be deactivated as soon as consi stent with giving adequate advance notice to the wasps and to the Commanding Officers of the bases where they are employed, and that you submit promptly to me your plan for such deactivation to take place not later than 20 December 1944. 4. In bringing to a close this important program of the Army Air Forces, I wish to express my appreciation to you for your resourceful, imaginative and tireless work. The success of the WASP Program is due in large measure to your contribution as its director. MAhused the 9 H. H. arnold General, U. S. Army Commanding General, Army Air Forces