[General Hap Arnold Address in Sweetwater, Texas, December 7, 1944] Page: 2 of 2

                                
Certainly we haven't been able to build an airplane you cantt~handle. From
AT-6s to B-29s, you have flown them around like veterans.  One of the WASP has
even test-flown our new jet plane.
You have worked hard at your jobs. Commendations from the generals to whose
commands you have been assigned are constantly coming across my desk. These
commendations record how you have buckled down to the monotonous, the routine
jobs which are not much desired by our hot-shot young men headed toward combat
or just back from an overseas tour. In some of your jobs I think they like you
better than men.
I iant to stress how valuable I believe this whole WASP program has been for
the country. If another national emergency arises--let us hope it does not, but
let us this time face the possibility--if it does, we will not again look upon a
woments flying organization as experimental, We will know that they can handle
our fastest fighters, our heaviest bombers; we will know that they are capable of
ferrying, target towing, flying training, test flying, and the countless other
activities which you have proved you can do.
That is valuable knowledge for the air age into which we are now entering.
But, please understand that I do not look upon the WASP and the job they have
done i. this war as a project or an e periment. A pioneering venture, yes.
Solely an experiment, no. The 7W1S  are an accomplishment.
We are winning this war--we still have a long way to go.-but we are winning
it. Every WASP who has contributed to the training and operation of the Air Force
has filled a vital and necessary place in the jigsaw pattern of victory. Some of
you are discouraged sometimes, all of us are, but be assured you have filled a
necessary place in the overall picture of the Air Forces.
The WASPs have completed their mission. Their job has been successful. But,
as is usual in war, it has not been vifthout cost. Thirty-seven wASPs have died
while helping their Country move toward the moment of final victory. The Air
Forces will long remember their service and their final sacrifice.
So, on this last graduation day, I salute you and all wASP. We of the AAF
are proud of you; we will never-forget our debt to you.
END

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