Between Two Worlds

Bettie Scott stands at Avenger Field in Sweetwater, Texas, dressed in civilian clothing during her time in the WASP program. Although Women Airforce Service Pilots wore Army Air Forces–style uniforms while on duty, they remained officially classified as civilian employees and for decades received none of the military rank or benefits granted to male pilots. On base, these women were evaluated on their skill as aviators and entrusted with flying military aircraft. Beyond the airfield, however, society remained attached to ideals of traditional womanhood, often judging these pilots less by their accomplishments in the cockpit than by expectations placed on them as women.