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WASPs Arlington Burial Victory

Discussion in 'WWII Today' started by GRW, May 29, 2016.

  1. GRW

    GRW Pillboxologist WW2|ORG Editor

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    Good.
    "More than 70 years after serving in World War Two, American female pilots have finally won the right to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
    The cemetery is where US presidents, honoured military personnel and national heroes are buried.
    President Barack Obama has recently signed a law that allows the pilots from the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) to buried in the famous cemetery.
    This is not the first battle they have won in their fight for recognition.
    When they served as pilots during World War Two, they were considered civilians. They flew non-combat missions in the US but were trained like their male counterparts, lived in Army barracks and flew military aircraft.
    Thirty-eight women died during that time and as civilians they weren't entitled to be buried with the US flag on the coffin or any benefits for their families after their deaths.
    When the Army no longer needed their help in 1944 they were sent home, having to pay their own way back, without any honours and without the status of veterans."
    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-36316118
     

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