Sarah Byrn Rickman completes her trilogy of books on the WASPs (Women Airforce Service Pilots) with WASP of the Ferry Command: Women Pilots, Uncommon Deeds. Rickman, who first appeared on this program 15 years ago for her first book about WASPs has deep roots in the Dayton community. Rickman was a journalist for many years in Centerville/Washington Township and in this interview she explains how her journalistic endeavors ultimately put her in the position to become intrigued by the WASPs and then to become a dedicated chronicler of their history.
In this new book Rickman provides a history of how the WASPs were formed-we become acquainted with the two women who were instrumental in guiding the program while at the same time feuding over control of it. Most of all this is the story of hundreds of brave women who risked their lives for our country ferrying airplanes across America during World War Two. These women were heroes and their story is not very well known. It is also a story about how these brave pilots made incredible sacrifices and were not treated very well by the U.S. government. They were not properly honored or rewarded for their service. These women loved to fly and many of them were willing to fight for the recognition that they deserved.
This is an inspiring story that needed to be told.
The Book Nook on WYSO is made possible by six local library systems in southwest Ohio: the Greene County Public Library, Washington-Centerville Public Library, MidPointe Library System, Clark County Public Library, Dayton Metro Library, and Wright Memorial Public Library.
