Women in the Air Force: From Yesterday into Tomorrow

Credit: Ken LaRock | Date Taken: 03/04/2021
The exhibit, titled “Women in the Air Force: From Yesterday into Tomorrow,” covers historical issues, changes in laws and attitudes, and women's contributions to the Air Force mission. These displays, which are located throughout the museum, contain one of a kind artifacts used by women in the Air Force from many different eras. In the Early Years Gallery, visitors can learn how British female pilots led the way beginning with Mary Wilkins-Ellis, who joined the Britain’s Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA), and transported aircraft from factories to active service squadrons during World War II. The story of Jacqueline Cochran, who was ranked among the top female pilots of her era by setting an incredible number of records, and breaking men’s distance, altitude, and speed achievements can be seen in the Early Years and World War II Galleries, as well as throughout the museum. Cochran would go on to become the founder and director of the Women’s Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) program, and was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal - the highest non-combat award - for her work in 1945.