Customer Reviews

A WASP Among Eagles: A Woman Military Test Pilot in World War II

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4 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am one of the many, many people who did not know that womenwere trained to fly military planes in WWII. I love readingautobiographies about ambitious, adventurous, independent-minded women so this first-person account of pilot Ann Carl's experiences as a Women Airforce Service Pilot (WASP) drew me in immediately. It's a good story, well-told, about a fascinating group of women and era. The book celebrates Carl's own story as a WASP as well as the general story of the 1000+ women who were trained as military pilots. They came from all walks of life--rich, poor, married, single--and from all over the U.S. One was an heiress, another an actress, another a golf champion and another taught flying to naval pilots. (My mother was a housewife during WWII and I had no idea women stepped outside what "was expected" and excelled in an area reserved for men.) Carl goes into the training the WASPs received and the battle fought to gain mititary status (not granted until 1970!) It's a very insightful peek into a overlooked chapter in the history of World War II.

Ann Carl was a female military test pilot in World War II. A Wasp Among Eagles is her story of her experiences and adventures. She first learned to fly in 1940 and in 1943 found herself assigned to Wright Field. She underscores how women, because of the wartime shortages and pressures, were vital in performing jobs that were once the exclusive domain of men. A Wasp Among Eagles is an impressive, informative, first-hand, insider's account and an invaluable contribution to military studies, and highly recommended reading for women's twentieth-century history studies as well.

Ann Carl was a female military test pilot in World War II. A Wasp Among Eagles is her story of her experiences and adventures. She first learned to fly in 1940 and in 1943 found herself assigned to Wright Field. She underscores how women, because of the wartime shortages and pressures, were vital in performing jobs that were once the exclusive domain of men. A Wasp Among Eagles is an impressive, informative, first-hand, insider's account and an invaluable contribution to military studies, and highly recommended reading for women's twentieth-century history studies as well.

Ann Carl's book tells what most male pilots know.
That is that the laws of physics apply equally to both genders.
During WW II special women took the challenge during special
times. Prior to WW II special women, such as Aline Rhonie
Hofheimer of Warren, NJ. tested various Luscombe models after
investing in the company. But during WW II the rigors
of testing became extreme. I think that no child can
say that they had a good education without knowing about these women who gave not excuses only their all. When you look at
all of the superficial celebrities in Hollywood.. all of them
would not add up to one of these women pilot of WW II.

Parts of this book were better than others. I think I liked the personal aspect of Ann Carl's life more than the adventures in flight. I just felt her book contained too many details and aeronautical jargon that would not hold a great deal of interest to those of us that have little or no knowledge of aviation. Having said that, though, I believe I will read some other books on these amazing and brave women known as the
WASP'S.

I enjoyed reading the story of Ann Baumgartner Carl, an aviatrix that challenged the bigotry and mysoginy of the 1940s United States in order to serve her country. The book, as it was, was interesting and enjoyable. Its problem is that it is too short and sometimes only brushes subjects that a reader may wish to know more about. I would have liked in particular to learn more about the personalities of a few people described in the book and who played important roles in the aviation career of the author. This book is still a good bet however to pass some quiet time at home or during a trip.