Lucile Doll Wise, 43-7 | August 2, 2018

"Jacqueline Cochran was looking for WASP.  They told me I would have to be interviewed and they would contact me when they came to the Wichita area.  But I didn’t wait for that.  I went down to Houston for my interview, to speed things up.  And I think that’s one of the smartest things I did." 

    WASP Lucile Doll Wise 

     43-W-7

Lucile Doll Wise, Women Airforce Service Pilot (WASP) of World War II and beloved mother and grandmother, died peacefully August 2, 2018 at her residence in Arvada, Colorado, one day after her 98th birthday. 

She was born August 1, 1920 in Larned, Kansas, the daughter of Fred and Edna Barstow Doll. She was a graduate of Larned High School in 1938, and the Colorado Woman’s College in Denver Colorado in 1940.

She learned to fly in Wichita, KS and was accepted for training as a WASP pilot in May, 1943. She was among the first women pilots in history to fly military aircraft. After training, she was assigned to the Army Air Forces Weather Wing in Ashville, NC and later in Kansas City, MO, and served until the WASP were disbanded in December of 1944.

On September 5, 1950 she married Robert W. Wise and resided in Alexandria, VA until 1982, when she returned to Larned.  He preceded her in death.

She volunteered in the WASP office in Washington, DC in 1977, working on lobbying efforts to obtain military recognition and Veteran’s benefits for WASP members. Within the WASP organization, she served in numerous roles including Regional Director, By-Laws Chair, Scholarship Chair, and President. 

Lucile was a member of the Presbyterian Church and was a member of a number of groups including the Colorado Aviation Historical Society, the Women Military Aviators Association, and Women in Aviation, International. She was active in community and church affairs, and served as a volunteer archivist and docent for several years at the Santa Fe Trail Center in Larned. In 2010 she and her sister WASP were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, highest civilian honor the Congress can bestow.

She is survived by her daughter, Susan C. Carl of Denver, CO; a son, Robert B. Wise of Loudon, TN; two grandchildren, Emily Carl and David Wise; and two brothers, Wayne Doll of Warsaw, MO, and Jack Doll of Senecaville, OH.

A memorial service will be held on September 2, 2:30 pm, at the Brookdale Meridian, 9555 W. 59th Ave. in Arvada. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the WASP Endowment, Texas Woman’s University, PO Box 425618, Denton, TX 76204-5618.


Respectfully reposted with quote and photos from Wings Across America.

Personal note:

In 2000, Lucile welcomed us to her home in Aurora, Colorado for one of our first Wings Across America interviews in Colorado.  We began interview and,  once she realized we were cheering her on, her smile came easily.   She was a great subject.

Over the course of the next few years, Lucile became a touchstone of sorts, always asking me where I got my  facts, challenging conclusions and every once in a while, being surprised and delighted with my answers.  I always appreciated her loyalty to the WASP and, above all, to telling the truth.

God bless this special lady and to all of us who loved her.  

Nancy Parrish

WASP Beverly Frisbie Carruth, 44-W-7

CARRUTH, BEVERLY F. of San Diego Aug. 2, 1922 - July 19, 2010 7/30 2pm at San Carlos United Methodist, 6554 Cowles Mtn. Featheringill Mortuary (619) 583-9511

Published in San Diego Union-Tribune on July 26, 2010
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Additional information from Scott Ferguson:

Beverly Frisbie Carruth WASP 44-7
Beverly passed away peacefully at home on 7-19-2010.

A memorial service was held on Friday, 7-30- 2010 at 2:00 PM
San Marcos United Methodist Church
6554 Cowles Mountain Blvd     San Diego, CA

Funeral service will be held on Thursday, 9-23-2010 at 12:00 PM    Fort Rosecran's National Cemetery      San Diego, CA
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 Beverly was only of only 1,074 women who completed Army Air Force flight training and became a WASP.  She entered  training from Highland Park, IL as one of 103 trainees of Class 44-7.    59 young women graduated on September 8, 1944.  The Big Spring Bombardier School Band played as the trainees passed in review for the graduates.  Lt. Col. Roy P. Ward, the CO of the 2563rd AAFBU (Army Air Force Base Unit) was the speaker for the graduation ceremony. 

After graduation, Beverly received Army Air Force orders and was sent to Douglas Army Air Field in Douglas Arizona to the 3014th AFBU.  There, she flew as a utility, administrative and engineering test pilot.  Aircraft she might have flown included the BT-14, AT-8, UC-78, AT-17 and B-25.

If you knew Beverly, or would like to post a message to her family, please fill out the box below.

Thank you for caring.

God watch over her family.

Respectfully posted Aug. 3, 2010
Nancy Parrish
Information from  WASP Bryd Granger's "On Final Approach"

WASP Sylvia Barter, 43-W-7

“Barnstorming pilots would land in my father’s fields and take us on exciting rides. Belted into an open cockpit, I knew one day I’d be a pilot.” Sylvia B. Barter, WASP

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To Our Beloved Mom, Sylvia Barter

Do not mourn for me but allow the precious memories 
we shared together to brighten your days and bring smiles to your face.

Please celebrate my life with my children and me and
know that I am free.

Our Mom Sylvia was born in Solvang California on January 23, 1920. She was the second daughter born to Anker and Esther Bredall and was graciously received by her sister Rosalie. Her brother Buddy joined the family a few years later. Mom used to laugh when telling the story about her and Rosalie were not happy with a new baby brother as they had requested a baby sister. She often shared stories about her beautiful childhood memories, running and playing in fields covered with wildflowers.

After high school Mom attended Merrit Business College in Oakland and in 1939 accepted a job in Salinas. Her husband to be, and later our Dad, Gene worked upstairs in a different office. They were engaged in February 1940. During their engagement they both enrolled in a private pilot training course where they proudly accepted their pilots licenses on September 14, 1940. Two weeks later they exchanged marriage vows on September 28, 1940.

When WWII was declared, our courageous Mom joined the Women
Airforce Service Pilots, also known as the WASP. She was one of very
few women offered this opportunity and couldn't get to her assigned airfield in Douglas Arizona fast enough. Once there, she had many piloting duties including transporting military personnel from one airbase to another. This part of Mom's life was very special and exciting and she continued to be involved in the WASP organization until just a few years ago. Her passion for flying instigated her membership in the local Womans’ Pilot Club, the 99's. We are so proud to have the bragging rights that this honorable woman was our Mom.

In 1945 a whole new chapter unfolded for Mom. In 1945, Elise was born, followed by Andy in 1946. In 1947 the twins Kathy and Krissy arrived. All four under the age of 3. We teased her often about her method of birth control and she would always smile proudly and proclaim it was planned parenthood. We are sure that her calm demeanor and patience was attributed to her career oriented life rather than a stay-at-home-Mom. As we grew up and had children of our own, our respect for her choice was fully understood.

Our Mom loved her family more than anything. Even after 4 children, 10
grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren she knew all their ages and birth dates. This beautiful woman has left a legacy unequaled to any. Her kind hearted, generous, loving and caring personality was always present. Over the years she developed many dear friendships and had acquaintances all over the United States. At Christmas time it would take her days to write her cards as she remembered everybody and didn't leave anyone off her list.

________________________

Her family will be celebrating Sylvia's life on March 27th at 2 pm at
Connolly and Taylor, 4000 Alhambra Ave, Martinez, Ca 94553.

_______________________
Sylvia Barter passed away on February 4, 2009 

Sylvia's online interview at scholastic.com.

WASP MARY Breidenbach HANSEN, 44-W-6

HANSEN, Mary B. passed away September 04, 2008. Visitation Tuesday, Sept. 09, 2008 from 3 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Green Hills. Funeral service 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2008 at Green Hills Memorial Park and Mortuary 310-831-0311.

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This was the only official obituary I could find online. It was only released after paying a fee.   However, that one paragraph is not the whole story by any means. Mary was a unique woman who served her country as a WASP, and that deserves so much more.

With thanks to WASP Betty Turner for her wonderful “Out of the Blue and Into History,” I can print Mary’s story--in her own words. Below is  from p. 412.
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“I was born in Raleigh, North Carolina. My interest in flying began at an early age of nine years. My brother was in the Army Air Corps and he took me flying one day when I was about 12 years old. My hobby at the time was making model airplanes; I even made one of wire.

I started flying at the age of 18, at a local airfield in Birmingham, Alabama. I took several classes in aeronautics, meteorology, and cross-country navigation at this time.

I met the requirements for the WASP in the summer of 1943, and was interviewed by Mrs. Sheehy at Avenger Field, Sweetwater, Texas. I went to work at Avenger Field as an airplane parker in hopes of an early entry into the program. In a couple of months I was accepted into the Class of 44-6 on January 8, 1944.

After graduation in June, I was stationed at Columbus, Mississippi flying engineering test flights on the AT-10 (twin-engine Beech). My second station was to be at Tyndall Field, Florida, going through B-26 school, but the decision for deactivation made such training unnecessary. I finished up the WASP program stationed at Freeman Field, Indiana flying the AT-10s.

After deactivation I found employment at North American Aviation (now Rockwell) as a graphic artist illustrating the aircraft flight manuals. The manuals that I have worked on include: AT-6, T-28,F-86, F-100, B-25, B-70, and B-1, being manufactured at the Los Angeles Airport plant. It was there I met my husband, Vic Hansen, who was an engineer in the autonetics division. After 30 years I retired, my husband retired three years later.

We have no children, so we did a lot of traveling to England, Scandinavian countries, Switzerland, Italy, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Kenya, Tanzania, China. We took various cruises: Caribbean, North Seas, China Seas, also Greece, Israel, Yugoslavia, Turkey and Austria, all a lot of fun. We also like playing golf. We have been living here in Rancho Palos Verdes, California since May 1959 and have no intention of moving elsewhere. We love it here.

The WASP have a Southern California Chapter that meets quarterly and I am very active in it. I am now secretary of the So-Cal WWII. My husband and i try to attend most of the national conferences.

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WASP Betty Jane Williams, 44-W-6

It is with a sadness and sense of loss which cannot be expressed in words that I announce the passing of Betty Jane (BJ) Williams. Betty passed away at 5:15am (Pacific) this morning from complications related to the massive stroke she suffered on November 12th. As many of you know, Betty was my Aunt and the inspiration for my career in the Air Force. She was a friend, a confidant, a "sister", a peer and a patriot. But most of all, she was family to us all. Her contributions to the WASPS, the community, civic organizations, educational institutions, the U.S. Military and to her Nation will be remembered and sorely missed.

Please join with me, my wife Cheryl and my family in saying a prayer for Aunt Betty and wishing her Godspeed as she flies her P-40 over St. Peter's gates. I wish to thank many of you who have expressed your sympathies and prayers for Aunt Betty since she was stricken ill. They were deeply appreciated and you have our heartfelt thanks.

If I have inadvertantly left anyone off this e-mail, I sincerly apologize. Trying to keep up with all the e-mails has been a chore. If I have missed someone, please pass this message along. Thank you so very much. Information regarding arrangements will be forthcoming as soon as possible.

Scott F. Fenwick, SMSgt, USAF, Ret

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A MEMORIAL SERVICE for B.J. WILLIAMS will be held on JANUARY 24, 2009, 2pm, at the Garden Chapel in Canoga Park, CA.

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Since no one could ever tell her story better, here is Betty's entry, "in her own words'', from pages 432 and 433 of Betty Turner's "Out of the Blue and Into History."

BETTY JANE WILLIAMS
WOODLAND HILLS, CALIFORNIA

Born and raised in Kingston, Pennsylvania with an older brother and younger sister, I had two loving parents who supported my adventurous activities. As an honor student, avidly pursing an art career, but anxious to learn to fly, I competed with 50 males in the non-college Civilian Pilot Training Program, win a flight scholarship and my pilot's license in June 1941.

The attack on Pearl Harbor prompted the government to stop all general aviation flying on both coasts. So to stay in aviation, I applied to Colonial Airlines as a stewardess. (They were the only airline that did not require you to be a registered nurse at that time.) I was hired, trained and began flying in DC-3's between Montreal, Canada and new York. When the Air Transport Command approached the airlines to establish instrument flight training schools, I was selected to attend Northeast Airlines Pilot Training at the University of Vermont and became a licensed Link trainer instructor, under contract with Wartime Training Service, teaching Navy pilots, airline and commercial pilots instrument flight techniques. A year later when my contract renewal come up, I opted to enter WASP training at Sweetwater, Texas.

Upon graduation, I was assigned as an engineering test pilot, flying single and multi-engine training planes (AT-6, AT-7, AT-10, 10-11, UC-78) as well as the P-40 at Randolph Field, San antonio, Texas.

After WASP deactivation, I became a commercial pilot, flight instructor and head of instrument ground school for North American Airport Corporation, Westchester County Airport, White Plains, New York, and other airports in the area, 1945-48. During this period, I created, emceed and produced the first aviation network TV show over CBS and NBC, New York.

Subsequently, I moved to California and worked four years for North American Aviation, (now Rockwell-Boeing), as a technical writer, producing the Flight Operations Manual on the B-45, 4-engine jet bomber and Maintenance Manuals on various military aircraft. Wrote and directed a series of films on the F-89 jet fighter, used during the Korean War.

I received a direct commission in Air Force Reserves 1949, and in 1952, during the Korean War, I was called to active duty as a TV writer-producer with the USAF first TV Squadron, pioneering the use of TV for military purposes. I was also the unit's Public Information Officer. Served 28 years in Air Force Reserves with Sec'y of Air Force, Office of Public Affairs on the West Coast and two years with the Marines in the same speciality. Worked with press, radio, TV and motion picture studios, retiring in 1979 as Lt. Colonel. My final assignment was to produce a TV film re: women now (1977-78) being trained as Air Force Pilots. This gave me an opportunity to inform the public that the WASP were the "first" women military pilots!

For 20 years, I was a motion picture-TV writer, director, producer for Lockheed Sales Promotion Department; subjects covered missiles, F-104, P-3 Orion, L-1011, propjet Electra, many research programs, weapon systems and other tactical aircraft. Films were distributed worldwide in several languages. I produced over 100 films, winning 12 national film awards.

Professional affiliations: one of founding members (1957) Information Film Producers of America. I held several national offices including National President; Los Angeles Advertising Women-President (1965-66); WASP WWII, National President 1948-1949, Editor WASP News 1947, Public Relations Director, 1973-80, Western Regional Director 1988-90; and President, Southern California WASP 1998-99.

Named: "Women of Achievement" by Business and Professional Women 1966; nominated "Outstanding Mobilization Augmentee in Air Force Reserves," 1974 by the Secretary of the Air Force, Office of Information, Los Angeles, featured in 1976 edition The world's Who's Who of Women, Cambridge, England. Selected as "Pioneer Woman of the Year" 1993 by Los Angeles City Council. Inducted into "CINDY Hall of Fame" 1996, one of two people so honored by International Film/TV Producers Association. Inducted into "International Forest of Friendship," June 1996 for exceptional contributions to aviation.

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There is more.  Since writing these words in 1996,  B.J. continued to charge head-first into life-- serving the WASP organization as Region I Director with many, many other projects on her list.  Her last public event was on Veterans Day, 2008.   She was the featured speaker at a ceremony/celebration of WASP Gertrude Tompkins Silver, one of 38 WASP who died serving her country.   

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From the first time I met her, I considered BJ Williams "a force of nature," because she was curious--about everything, and she challenged everything. She wanted to know what was happening, who was in charge, why it was taking so long and what could be done about it. I was fortunate, because I always managed to come up with an answer that pleased her, which was not an easy thing to do. However, I believe that, because my answers were always from the heart, she could read that.

Being around BJ made me feel like I needed to double-check the spelling on everything. She appreciated those who had done their homework. She could also spot BS from a great distance, as exemplified by the story of the 'Hollywood wanna be interviewer' who had called me to volunteer to record WASP Interviews--using his students and the studio at a local college in LA. I was skeptical, but called BJ to do the 'test interview.' She agreed. She sent me a copy of the video of her interview. I was completely 'under-whelmed', as she was, when I saw the result--many close ups on HIS face, HIS beautiful tan and HIS perfectly bleached teeth. No students to be seen--they were all behind the cameras recording their TEACHER--with a few 'shots' of the WASP. It became all about HIM--how he phrased his questions and how he looked so sincerely into the camera--and not a whole lot about the WASP. However, BJ politely turned his questions around--and challenged him. What resulted was a whole lot of pauses--while he thumbed thru his index cards. I think she actually had a good time.

My last phone conversation with BJ was the week before her stroke. She called to ask about the Fly Girls exhibit--did we get a response from Fed Ex about the shipping--and how was it going? She always asked about our project and our plans, and she always answered my postings with a 'thank you' email, which I truly appreciated.

I'll miss that. And I'll miss those challenging questions, 'What are you up to, why isn't it going faster and what can be done about it!'

submitted by Nancy Parrish, Dec. 8, 2008

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Links:

• WOMEN IN AVIATION
  
• LA TIMES  Jan 8, 2008
  
• KPCC, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PUBLIC RADIO, Nov. 12, 2008