During World War II, a groundbreaking group of elite female aviators flew over 60 million miles in every type of military aircraft, from the P-51 Mustang to the B-17 Flying Fortress. They were the Women's Air Force Service Pilots (WASP), and after proving that women belonged in the cockpit, their program was abruptly disbanded and their contributions were erased from history for decades. How did this happen? In this episode, we uncover the hidden history of these forgotten pioneers with bestselling author Heather B. Moore.
Heather B. Moore's meticulously researched biographical fiction novel, the Lady Flyer book, brings to life the incredible story of Nancy Harkness Love, the quiet, lead-by-example director who founded the program. We explore the immense challenges these WWII female pilots faced, not just in mastering dangerous aircraft, but in battling constant bureaucratic red tape, gender bias, and political opposition. This is the story of how over 1,000 women answered their nation's call, only to be told to go home so men could have their jobs back.
In this deep dive, Heather B. Moore reveals the fascinating details behind the WASP program. We discuss the critical difference between the WAFS (Women's Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron) and the broader Women's Air Force Service Pilots (WASP) organization, exploring their 60-million-mile mission to ferry newly built warplanes from factories to air bases across the country. The conversation also delves into the complex and often contentious relationship between the program's two most prominent leaders: the introverted and highly respected Nancy Harkness Love and the aggressive, self-promoting Jackie Cochran, who ran the training division. Heather shares insights from her extensive research, including stories of unimaginable bravery, heartbreaking tragedy, and the internal politics that nearly grounded the program before it could take flight. We also touch upon the shocking dismissal of the WASP in 1944 and their long, arduous fight to gain official veteran status decades later, a testament to the perseverance of these remarkable women.
About Our Guest:
Heather B. Moore is a USA Today bestselling author of more than seventy publications. She is an expert in writing biographical fiction and meticulously researched historical novels that shine a light on forgotten chapters of history. Her works, including Under the Java Moon and the acclaimed Lady Flyer book, are praised for being 90% history, bringing the past to life with compelling accuracy and narrative depth. In this episode, she also gives a sneak peek into her next project about another surprising WWII figure: the French chef Julia Child and her secret work for the OSS.
Timestamps / Chapters:
(00:00) The Hidden History of America's Female WWII Pilots
(04:16) What is Lady Flyer About? The Story of the WASP
(05:34) Nancy Love's Inspiration: Witnessing Charles Lindbergh's Landing
(09:04) From Barnstormer to Leader: The Rise of Nancy Harkness Love
(14:48) The Author's Mission: Discovering This Lost History
(23:42) WASP vs. WAFS: Explaining the Acronyms of Female Fliers
(25:21) The 60-Million-Mile Mission: What Planes Did the WASP Fly?
(31:11) Rivalry & Betrayal: Nancy Love vs. Jackie Cochran
(35:59) Dismissed & Forgotten: The Fight for Recognition After WWII
(38:34) What's Next? Julia Child's Secret Life in the OSS
Learn More From Our Guest / Episode Resources:
Get your copy of Lady Flyer by Heather B. Moore
Learn more about Heather's other books
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Produced by Podcast Studio X.