DEANIE PARISH AND THE WASPS OF WWII RECEIVE THE CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR
If you read our Garage Magazine Issue #21, our Chicks Rule Special Edition, you’ll remember our story about Deanie Parrish, the WWII pilot who was a member of the WASPs ( Women’s Airforce Service Pilots ) as part of our national defense as part of the U.S. Army Air Forces. They handled airborne duties like ferry planes from manufacturing facilities, test new aircraft, tow targets so combat pilots could practice shooting, and a myriad of other tasks. They were the first women in history trained to fly American military aircraft. Women pilots were trained to fly non-combat missions in order to free up male pilots for active duty. These gals flew everything from BT-13 trainers to B-26 Marauders.
And sadly, until now, this brave group of women went completely unrecognized for their service in the war effort.This is because the WASP was never militarized, and those who served were considered civil service employees. To add insult to injury, the records of WASP were classified and sealed after they disbanded them in 1944, so virtually no one knew about these women’s service to the country. In 1977, the same year the Air Force graduated its first post-WASP women pilots, Congress granted veteran status to those who had served as WASP, and in 1979 issued official honorable discharges.
Fast forward to 2010. After years of petitioning Washington, the WASPs are finally getting the recognition they so rightfully deserve. And we’re really proud that Deanie Parrish is among those women being commended. We had the great honor of interviewing her for our March issue of Garage Magazine. That issue is still on the stands, so check it out. You can read about the goings on in Washington on NPR.
Two other sources that tell the story of the WASP with lots of great vintage photos are: wingsacrossamerica.us/wings/ and a great blog with lots of inspiring tales: wings1944.blogspot.com. Check them both out and learn a little bit of history you probably never got in school…even if you were paying attention. Below are a few shots, both old and new of Deanie. Congrats, fly girl! You made us all proud!
DQuartermane
That is wonderful. Really wonderful and I will admit I had never heard of them. Very cool.
Anita
These ladies deserve every recognition. They may not have seen combat, but several lost their lives for their country. Congratulations to them.
Lena808
AWESOME! I was fortunate enough to meet Bernice “Bee” Falk Haydu in 2008 and hear from her some awesome historical moments.
KS San Diego
Awesome, Amazing, Inspirational!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
dirty love
heard about them on NPR radio, what a great american story.
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fauchet marc
too beautiful plane and a hat that Mrs.
jackpinesavage73
wow thats cool and they should have got the reconition allot sooner
AMEDEO ABEILLE
too beautiful
Canadian WCC Fan
Nice work!!
JK
great. This is great news and should be on the news all over the US..Very cool
nothingschanged
What ever happened to these type of chicks nowadays?
peppernatl
Yeah, They don’t mak’em like they used too!!! The ladies I mean…
glenn mcgown
Girls of Steel ! Wrapped in Lip stick and Nylons!!!!
Cathy Gale
Thanks so much for sharing these photos. You rock, Deanie!
joe
Awesome cant believe I missed that. That is the spirit of waco ! That is at the airport where I work in waco texas.
Anon
Thank you for this great bit of history.
Oh, and Deanie is still a beautiful lady!