Today in World War II History

Frances Green, Margaret (Peg) Kirchner, Ann Waldner and Blanche Osborn
 leaving their B-17, "Pistol Packin' Mama," at the four-engine school
at Lockbourne AAF, Ohio, during WASP ferry training. (USAF photo)

70 Years Ago—Aug. 5, 1943: US Army secures Munda Field on New Georgia, to become major airfield in South Pacific, putting all the Solomons in reach of fighters. WASP formed (Women’s Airforce Service Pilots) by combining Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron and Women’s Flying Training Detachment, under Miss Jacqueline Cochran, a civilian organization.