I am so glad she finally received this honor. Why did it take this long? We have to do better by our veterans -- all our veterans.
3
To say that this woman's services and all WASP's equaled that of those who actually fought is a deeply offensive statement to make. She did not experience flak. She did not have to worry about Me-109s or Focke Wolfe 190s She did not have to fly hundreds of miles over hostile territory often at night in some of the most dangerous circumstances ever presented to humans.
86,000 men died over the skies of Germany and Japan. That's 3 times more than the amount of Marines who died in the Pacific.
WASPs did face danger, but nothing like that faced by the pilots or infantrymen. To even equate the two is to show a reckless disregard of facts and an ignorance of war itself. He does the women a disservice in so doing. They honorably served this nation and have every right to be buried in Arlington. Their service is highly admirable.
But again, there is a huge difference between those who saw combat and those who did not.
My grandfathers both served as aviation mechanics in the Marines. I am immensely proud of them both, but their service was not the equal of those Marines who fought, bled, and often died in the Pacific. I suspect they would have felt the same way.
Those who saw combat under went stresses and were exposed to dangers that those who did not see combat never did.
86,000 men died over the skies of Germany and Japan. That's 3 times more than the amount of Marines who died in the Pacific.
WASPs did face danger, but nothing like that faced by the pilots or infantrymen. To even equate the two is to show a reckless disregard of facts and an ignorance of war itself. He does the women a disservice in so doing. They honorably served this nation and have every right to be buried in Arlington. Their service is highly admirable.
But again, there is a huge difference between those who saw combat and those who did not.
My grandfathers both served as aviation mechanics in the Marines. I am immensely proud of them both, but their service was not the equal of those Marines who fought, bled, and often died in the Pacific. I suspect they would have felt the same way.
Those who saw combat under went stresses and were exposed to dangers that those who did not see combat never did.
2
It's not as if they shirked more dangerous duty. They did all they were allowed to do. I am someone who has reservations about sending women into places where they may engage in hand-to-hand combat. But, I can't ignore the women who put themselves in harm's way knowing they would never receive the honors they deserved or "move up" in the military heirarchy. Why degrade the service they gave?
2
The one person I know burried at Arlington was a doctor! He never faced anything like you describe. Yet he had no problem being buried at Arlington. Incredibly, his spouse, who was never even in the military, gets to be buried there too!
Mr. Harmon definitely deserves it more than many others.
Mr. Harmon definitely deserves it more than many others.
2
Combat isn't a prerequisite for burial at Arlington. Read the requirements.
http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/Federal_Benefits_...
http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/Federal_Benefits_...
6
You have to think the WASP program brought together a very special group, and perhaps empowered them. In my home town there were Ginny Wood and Cecilia Hunter, former WASPs who flew up to Alaska where their skills and energy helped them become iconic conservationists. Their story is worth checking out: http://campdenali.com/live/blog/blog/127447
3
You won the last battle, Shutsy. That's the only one that really counts, isn't it? You have to fight to the end.
1
We are not the "heroic" people of WWII, but have now become an evil empire bent on destroying anyone or anything without our "values," as terrifying as these values have become to the rest of the world. I hope women pilots today would not want to work for an Army or Air Force that kills innocent people simply for power, arms, oil, and money. Today we can be proud that our military terror around the world has nothing to do with the values most of our women share, including, perhaps, many of the remaining women pilots of WWII.
marthastephens.wordpress.com
marthastephens.wordpress.com
1
This revolves in part in a distinction between service and status. A similar distinction between civilians engaged in dangerous and possibly deadly wartime service occurred with the Merchant Marine. Like the WASPs, they were civilians, not members of the active military, although their cargoes were military and their ships were often attacked and sunk by the enemy. Based on this post from 2002 (http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/rules-altered.htm), the justice of the distinction between civilian and active military, at least when it comes to allowing military honors & burials, has been challenged for a long time.
1
I had tears of joy and sadness when I read this story. My joy comes from the clear sign that we're on our way to ending centuries of gender inequality. The sadness comes from it having taken so long to get this far and how egregiously unfair and disrespectful we've been toward women, especially those who served along side men in combat. We men have kept women "in their place" because it meets our selfish, egotistical needs, and because we've been getting away with it for so long, and this simple act of congress will help bring these injustices to an end. I'm proud of my government today.
18
She did not serve alongside men in combat. She saw no combat. Incorrectly stating her service does her and history a disservice.
2
Thank you female Kiowa pilots and that F15 pilot that saved our butts and other humps on the ground numerous times in Nijrab and Tagab and other forgotten places over there. This is about as close to a personal thanks I can get. The women Kiowa pilots flew low and slow to draw fire and then hammer the Taliban, re-arm and get back to it. The Kiowa had about as much armor as a Ford Pinto. The female F-15 pilot broke the rules and screamed in a few hundred feet from the ground in her 40 Million dollar fighter plane to allow a group of French Marines to break thru an ambush. The French lost 10 in one day that year. It might have been another ten. The pilots had their hands on the stick and finger on the trigger. It was their voices on the Coms. There was no Congress or Senate no Pentagon apparatus between them and our enemy. A bullet, RPG or IED doesn't discriminate and neither should our National cemetery.
15
Why does the military live a hundred years in the past. And I fear it is that same attitude that has brought us some of our current warfare's lesser outcomes. Think our attacking in a different direction to the Embassy withdrawal to our current endeavors.
I never knew about the WASPs. Great article and a long overdue recognition to the service women rendered in WWII.
5
True American heroes, they served with honor, grace and dignity, then were sent home with barely a thanks. About time they were treated with the respect they so profoundly deserve.
7
Why doesn't this article tell us Mrs. Harmon's rank in the Army? Isn't that also a form of under appreciating her service?
@AG
I may be mistaken, and have no great expertise in this subject, but my assumption is that the WASP ranks were quite different than they were for active duty military (which WASPs weren't considered to be until decades later). That is to say - there is no rank to tell us; none existed. She was a pilot, and that was her rank. Remember - this program was kept secret for years because of high ranking officials' fears that other nations would view the use of female pilots as a weakness on the part of America's military. During their service, they even required one parents' signed approval to train. And if they were killed overseas - as several dozen were - it was entirely the financial and logistical responsibility of their families to transport their remains back to the US. It's shameful how shabbily and carelessly these incredible, brave women were treated. I'm relieved to see, piece by piece, these national treasures receive that gratitude, honor, and tribute so long overdue.
I may be mistaken, and have no great expertise in this subject, but my assumption is that the WASP ranks were quite different than they were for active duty military (which WASPs weren't considered to be until decades later). That is to say - there is no rank to tell us; none existed. She was a pilot, and that was her rank. Remember - this program was kept secret for years because of high ranking officials' fears that other nations would view the use of female pilots as a weakness on the part of America's military. During their service, they even required one parents' signed approval to train. And if they were killed overseas - as several dozen were - it was entirely the financial and logistical responsibility of their families to transport their remains back to the US. It's shameful how shabbily and carelessly these incredible, brave women were treated. I'm relieved to see, piece by piece, these national treasures receive that gratitude, honor, and tribute so long overdue.
6
There is something untrue about this article. My grandmother was a WASP, and she was buried in Arlington back in the mid 2000s with no fuss. I was there to see it.
2
Tom, first, thank you for your grandmother's service.
A veteran's spouse is entitled to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Was your grandmother's husband (your grandfather) a veteran? If so, your grandmother would have been allowed to be buried there as a veteran's spouse, but not on her own service as a WASP (at least until now per the article and the legislation to permit such burial).
A veteran's spouse is entitled to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Was your grandmother's husband (your grandfather) a veteran? If so, your grandmother would have been allowed to be buried there as a veteran's spouse, but not on her own service as a WASP (at least until now per the article and the legislation to permit such burial).
9
Women, most of us, are under no illusion that we are still considered second class citizens by many. Case in point, the way Sec. Clinton and other women leaders are treated by the media. It took a ...law to be passed, for Elaine D. Harmon to be laid to rest where she deserved! Really?!
12
Finally the contribution has been acknowledged in the most fitting way of all: a military burial at Arlington National Cemetery. May Elaine Harmon rest in peace knowing that she and her fellow WASPs made a major contribution that has been recognized by the country she served during WWII. Thank you Ms. Harmon. Thank you to every other WASP pilot. We couldn't have won without you!
18
Many good books about and by the WASP are now available. Also check the Texas Womens University Website... TWU has become the repository for all things WASP. 38 WASP died while in service -- their remains shipped home at their family's expense. Often the other WASP took up a collection to cover expenses. They were also not permitted an American flag for their coffin... The WASP flew everything in the US Army Air Force inventory, from trainers to 400+ mph fighters and 4-engine bombers and transports. I'd still fly with any of the WASP - any time, any where! American heroes all....
25
@FWB, I agree there are many good books about the WASP.
One woman, Sarah Byrn Rickman, has written three books about the service and the women who served. Wonder why nobody thought to interview her, as she certainly knows her way around the TWU repository and also interviewed many of the surviving WASP pilots. The books also have bibliographies for further reading.
One woman, Sarah Byrn Rickman, has written three books about the service and the women who served. Wonder why nobody thought to interview her, as she certainly knows her way around the TWU repository and also interviewed many of the surviving WASP pilots. The books also have bibliographies for further reading.
Martha McSally is using this as a campaign commercial in her AZ district, where I live. While it's nice that she helped out this family, is it really a reason to return McSally to congressional office?
7
Well, Yeah. It's something good she used her position for.
1
Absolutely not! We have come to be an evil empire bent on destroying everybody else without our "values," as terrifying as these values have become. I hope women pilots today would not want to work for an Army or Air Force that kills innocent people simply for our power, arms, and money. Thankfully our military exploits have now nothing to do with the values most women share.
What does that have to do with recognizing the service of an American who served her country long and well?
You are certainly entitled to your opinion, but the women (and men) currently serving in the armed forces of the United States might beg to differ.
As an honorably discharged veteran of the USAF from the Vietnam era I have many issues with current American foreign policy, including our seeming need to intervene militarily where we have no business, but when you consider the "values" exhibited by other governments such as Saudi Arabia, North Korea, Syria and many others, your claim that American values are evil seems like just another evangelist screeching how everyone else is corrupt - and only you know the "true path."
You are certainly entitled to your opinion, but the women (and men) currently serving in the armed forces of the United States might beg to differ.
As an honorably discharged veteran of the USAF from the Vietnam era I have many issues with current American foreign policy, including our seeming need to intervene militarily where we have no business, but when you consider the "values" exhibited by other governments such as Saudi Arabia, North Korea, Syria and many others, your claim that American values are evil seems like just another evangelist screeching how everyone else is corrupt - and only you know the "true path."
It is good to know that a hero is home at last, a remarkable person, both in the sky and on the ground, sleeping in our most hallowed field with her fellow patriots.
6
It's a novel, by Fannie Flag, but it's how I learned about the WASPs and their amazing contribution to the war effort. Read 'The All-Girl Filling Station's Last Reunion'. Also visit the International Women's Air & Space Museum in Cleveland, Ohio, to view a nice exhibit about the group.
5
When future generations finally correct history and expose the misogyny racism, and homophobia that was driving military policies, even in the 21st century, hopefully, the services of men AND women will be fully honored and appreciated!
12
Rest well in peace, Mrs. Harmon. & Thank You for being such a strong role model and your service.
8
I'd like to remember my FAA examiner on my private pilot license check flight, Betty Jane Faux. She was a ferry pilot for the Army Air Corp, third woman to fly the Pacific. When you remember that the majority of our air casualties in WW2 were caused by accidents you can appreciate how dangerous it was to fly brand new, unproven, high performance aircraft around the globe.
34
Nice article. Much of it factually incorrect or misleading, but a nice article. WASPs were permitted burial at Arlington until a couple of years ago when the Army changed the burial rules. The recent legislation merely returned to the burial rights of the earlier rules, which permitted WASPs to be buried at Arlington. My mother-in-law, a WASP, died in 2003, and was buried, in the ground at Arlington, that year.
1
Article should have included some account of the nature and number of their dangerous missions and the lives lost in the process. So many just have no clue as to the courage and skill required in these very young women.
42
I second this question. A good story about a milestone that's six decades overdue but where's the rest of the story? Maybe the editors cut it? Or the reporter was in a big hurry?
Years ago, as my 10th grade students were interviewing vets. One student interviewed two women, living in Batavia, NY who had been pilots during WWII - I will look for that data base saved to floppy disk. The U.S. needs to consider the grievous disservice we do to our veterans of ALL wars -- seems there's still much more to learn.
16
I'm still wondering why Democrats have not called out Mitch McConnell and the rest of Republicans in Congress, for preventing an increase in spending for the VA and veterans back in 2014!
8
I'm not sure this piece of legislation would have ever been submitted if it were not for women in the Congress. We need a force of women in our government offices to advocate for 50.5% of America. It is sad to think that someone would work as Ms. Harmon did on behalf of our country then be told "go home and don't talk about it".
48
So will male veterans who ran training, but didnt participate in combat, be eligible for Arlington or only the women?
7
If they wore the uniform, then it seems only fair. If they were civilian contractors working for the gov, then it seems no. Otherwise, everyone who worked at a war factory would qualify
5
Albert, why do you bear such animus towards women who served?
9
I'm confused by your question - these women were combat veterans and pilots. Please explain.
4
I've read a bit about these remarkable women, and what they had to deal with on the home front. The recognition and respect they earned and deserve is long overdue. Rest well Mrs. Harmon and your sister WASPs, WAVEs, WACs, WAAFs, Nurses, Rosie's...
I will have to make a point of visiting her when I return to sit with my folks for a while.
I will have to make a point of visiting her when I return to sit with my folks for a while.
32
Kinda annoying this is even news.
Great that these women are finally starting to get the recognition/status that is rightfully theirs.
Very Best Wishes to all surviving WASPS!
Great that these women are finally starting to get the recognition/status that is rightfully theirs.
Very Best Wishes to all surviving WASPS!
9
Note to McSally and Ernst: Your party, with the aid of Phyllis Schfaly, did more damage to the rights of women and the lack of recognition they deserve that any group in American history!
Ms. Ernst is still doing the bidding of men like the Koch brothers!
Ms. Ernst is still doing the bidding of men like the Koch brothers!
10
We thank her and her fellow airwomen for their service and sacrifice in protecting us.
May she rest in peace.
- A man
May she rest in peace.
- A man
25
Elaine D. Harmon gave TRUE service.
How shameful it took so long for our country to say 'thank you.''
How shameful it took so long for our country to say 'thank you.''
35
Wow, Mrs. Harmon, amazing. Would love to know more about your early life. What got you up in the air in the first place? So glad your final wish was fulfilled.
19
Harmon's military service, as well as that of the other women who fought in WW II, is an overlooked historical antecedent to the women who serve in our armed forces today. Her accomplishments should put Donald Trump--a man wo never served--to shame for his awful 2013 tweet about rape in the military, "What did these geniuses expect when they put men & women together?" In the case of Harmon, I'm not sure what Trump expected but we got as a nation was dedicated bravery and heroic self-sacrifice.
47
Well earned. They flew everything from Cubs to B-29s. At one point when pilots complained about flying the new B-29, they were used to demonstrate the aircraft, leading one general to comment that the women were "putting the big football players to shame." But it worked.
From the WASP pilots to "Rosie the Riveter", they too were part of the Greatest Generation. My we equally rise to the occasion when it is our own turn.
From the WASP pilots to "Rosie the Riveter", they too were part of the Greatest Generation. My we equally rise to the occasion when it is our own turn.
49
On another page today the question is asked, would the passing of the ERA have made a difference? Yes. Yes it would have. We apparently need a piece of paper that says regardless of chromosome we are entitled to be treated without discrimination. Bravo to the two legislators that pushed the case. But it shouldn't have to be an act of congress to realize equality.
83
Diane, if the ERA had passed, it might well be illegal, when a woman accuses a man of some sexual offence, to reveal his name but not hers. If she withdraws her charge, his life has been destroyed anyway.
I do not know if you knew this, but senator Dirksen opposed the equal rights amendment on the grounds that it would confer equal rights on men. The practice of drafting men only would become illegal.
We are living in a country where men live several years less than women, men are overwhelmingly the majority of in our prisons (and on the death row) and a minority in our colleges. Men are also the majority of victims of homicide.
And yet it is the women who are complaining that they are "behind". Because we do not look at reality - we look at what is said about reality.
I do not know if you knew this, but senator Dirksen opposed the equal rights amendment on the grounds that it would confer equal rights on men. The practice of drafting men only would become illegal.
We are living in a country where men live several years less than women, men are overwhelmingly the majority of in our prisons (and on the death row) and a minority in our colleges. Men are also the majority of victims of homicide.
And yet it is the women who are complaining that they are "behind". Because we do not look at reality - we look at what is said about reality.