Winning My Wings: A Woman Airforce Service Pilot in World War II

by Marion Stegeman Hodgson

One of the First Women in the United States to train as a military pilot, the author was part of a little-known World War II experiment called the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) program, which gave young women the then unheard-of opportunity to fly military aircraft. Marion Hodgson tells an exuberant story of the time back in 1943 when she and other WASPs earned their hard-won wings. They learned to fly everything from open-cockpit primary trainers to P-51 Mustangs, B-26 Marauders, and B-29 Superfortresses, and their stateside missions freed their male counterparts for combat duty overseas. An unlikely volunteer, Hodgson was at first terrified of flying, but she and other WASPs succeeded not only in winning their wings but in breaking the barriers against women in military cockpits.
This is an action-packed story, often humorous and sometimes harrowing, told mostly through letters Hodgson wrote to a Marine pilot fighting for his life after a fiery crash. Some of her letters describe the crashes their killed thirty-eight WASPs. Others reveal what it was like for these pioneering women as they ferried planes from factories to airfields, test-flew repaired aircraft, and performed a variety of other duties traditionally assigned to men. On a more personal level, the book is a coming-of-age story and a love story - Hodgson married the Marine pilot.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Aviation, World War II, Memoir, War, Womens

257 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1996

Reviews

[Tara Chevrestt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably the best non fiction book I have ever read. I enjoyed the style very much, the way it goes from Marion's narrative to letters she or her husband, Ned, wrote. It begins with Marion leaving home to join the WASPs with a little background leading up to the moment. Marion tells the story with a lot of "pep" and I found myself laughing out a loud a few times. Despite the fact there was a war going on, Marion and her fellow WASPs not only worked long days flying numerous aircraft, but also managed to have fun and maintain their senses of humor. After 6 months of grueling training, Marion begins to ferry aircraft around the United States and meanwhile, the letters show us the growing and evolving relationship between her and her then friend, Ned. By the end of the book, Marion is an experienced pilot ready to take on a new challenge: marriage.

I loved the look at the life of a WASP. The details of their training, instructors, prejudices they faced, different emergency situations, and information about World War II in general are not told in a boring, textbook like way, but matter of fact and even witty at times. Majority of autobiographies I have read are "woe is me..." or they exagerate the author's good qualities. Not so, this one. Marion retained a positive attitude throughout her experience and the writing of this book. She also tells of mistakes she made, embarrassing situations, and doubts or hesitations that went through her mind.

This was truly a joy to read. As I turned the last page, I had a smile on my face.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somehow I wound up with a hard copy of this book autographed by the author. My wife bought it at a flea market for a dollar. The book was good and I would have rated it higher except I tired of reading the love letters between the author and her future husband... but they may be more entertaining to others. WASPs performed a critical role in the delivery of new aircraft to their service bases among other tasks normally performed by men at the time. These gals endured many harrowing moments and uncomfortable conditions on base. They loved what they were doing and were very dedicated to doing it well. Sadly about 30 WASP pilots died in the line of duty. After the war they could not attain civilian aviation jobs as men dominated once again. A great read and inside look at a little known program of the WW2 era.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful memoir!

[Seth Wilhelm · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book detailing the training and daily life of a female pilot in the WASP during WWII. It is also a great love story written through the letters of the author and her future husband.

[Kathleen Rodgers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winning This Reader's Heart!, June 5, 2009


This review is from: Winning My Wings: A Woman Airforce Service Pilot in World War II (Hardcover)

From the moment I met the author at a Daedalian's meeting earlier this year, I knew I was in the presence of greatness. Not only did Marion Stegeman Hodgson conquer the sky as one of the first female pilots to fly military aircraft stateside during WWII, she went on to capture this remarkable time in her life in this well written memoir that will win your heart. This former WASP pilot, turned Marine wife and mother of three, invites you into her cockpit of memories as she takes control of the written word and weaves a tale that makes you wish you'd walked in her shoes and even slipped on the infamous "zoot suit" before taking off from Avenger Field.

Photos of the author at the end of the book depict a tall, pretty blonde who could have easily passed for a movie star. Instead she chose the sky and became a trailblazer for so many other women.

Although she flew many types of aircraft during her short stint as a WASP, the author's favorite was the AT-6. I wiped away a few tears at the end of the book as Marion described her last encounter with this aircraft. As she turned to walk away from her beautiful AT-6 and her life as a WASP, you knew she was leaving behind an old friend. I highly recommend this book to both male and female readers. You don't have to be an aviation buff to enjoy this tale. As the author is fond of saying, "Tail winds and blue skies."

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read several books about the WASPs, and this is my favorite. It reads like a novel, and Ms. Hodgson's descriptions give you a real feel of what it must have been like flying the rough-and-tumble planes they used for training. This was an amazing program that was decades ahead of its time, and the results produce some great stories. She includes letters exchanged with her mother and eventual husband, Ned Hodgson, that give a good personal picture of American life during the war.

[Kailey Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a female aviator myself, I absolutely loved this book! I really enjoyed how the author told most of her story through the actual letters she wrote and filled in the blanks with her narrating it as well. It was fun learning about the experiences she went through, and also enjoyed learning how many of the practices back then are still in use today. Very cool learning about the history of women pilots!

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Patrice for this book. It was unexpected and got my motivation back into active mode. For my birthday I treated myself to money in my flying fund! As for the book it was a fun read, good history and a good love story.

[Hulananni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I met Marion on a trip to Cuba in 2000 and remain 'email' friends to this day. A remarkable woman (as they all were...the WASPs).....fun to read this book.