By Joan Hallmark - bio | email
LUFKIN, TX (KLTV) - The Women Air Force Service Pilots of World War II are a nearly forgotten chapter of American History. At long last Jacqueline Morgan of Lufkin and other "Wasps" are being recognized for their contribution to our freedom more than 60 years ago.
The Wasps were a pioneering organization of civilian female pilots employed to fly military aircraft under the direction of the U.S. Army Air Forces, freeing male pilots for combat service. Although the Wasp records were classified and sealed for thirty-five years, in 1977 they were awarded full military status and now are being given the highest civilian award given by Congress, The Congressional Gold Medal.
Jacqueline Morgan flew AT6's and BT-13's towing targets behind her plane. She describes it as "being shot at six hours a day, six days a week." Ironically in World War II, it was against the law for women to shoot a gun but not against the law to be shot at.
At the age of 90, Jacqueline Morgan looks back with pride at the time when the "Wasps" courageously answered their country's call and blazed a trail for all brave women who continue to serve America.
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