WWII WASP Pilots Multi Signed 11x14 Photo (PSA) x8 Pilots

Presented is a hand-signed 11x14 photograph autographed by eight pioneering members of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP)—Shirley Kruse, Bernice “Bee” Haydu, Elaine Harmon, Anna Mankiewicz, Nell Bright, Mayne “Pat” Tanner, Betty Strohfus, and Florence “Shutsy” Reynolds. Each signer was among the remarkable women who served as America’s first female military aviators during World War II, flying some of the most advanced aircraft of their time in support of the U.S. Army Air Forces. The photograph has been authenticated by PSA/DNA and is accompanied by their Letter of Authenticity, ensuring both verification and long-term preservation.

The Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) program was established in 1942 under the leadership of Jacqueline Cochran and Nancy Harkness Love, with the mission of training civilian women pilots to fly military aircraft in non-combat roles. Over 1,100 women completed the rigorous training at Avenger Field in Sweetwater, Texas, earning their silver wings and taking on critical assignments including ferrying aircraft, towing targets for gunnery practice, testing repaired planes, and transporting cargo and personnel. Their service freed thousands of male pilots for combat duty overseas and played a vital role in the Allied war effort.

Each of the eight women represented here made significant contributions to aviation and the advancement of women in military service:

Bernice “Bee” Haydu (1920–2021) – One of the most outspoken advocates for WASP recognition, later serving as president of WASP, Inc., and instrumental in securing their belated military status in 1977.

Elaine Harmon (1919–2015) – Flew training and ferrying missions; her posthumous interment at Arlington National Cemetery symbolized the final recognition of WASP service to the nation.

Florence “Shutsy” Reynolds (1923–2018) – Served as an engineering test pilot; later became a professional metalworker who crafted jewelry honoring women in aviation.

Nell Bright (1920–2020) – Flew advanced trainers and later worked to preserve WASP history, contributing to exhibits at the National WWII Museum and Smithsonian Institution.

Betty Strohfus (1919–2016) – Flew the AT-6 Texan and BT-13 Valiant and later dedicated her life to educating students about the WASP legacy.

Shirley Kruse, Anna Mankiewicz, and Mayne “Pat” Tanner also served with distinction in various capacities, completing advanced flight training and providing vital support in aircraft testing and ferrying operations.

The WASPs were disbanded in 1944 without full military recognition, but their service broke barriers and laid the groundwork for women’s integration into the U.S. armed forces. In 2010, they were collectively awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the nation’s highest civilian honors.

This PSA/DNA authenticated 11x14 photograph—featuring eight original WASP signatures—stands as a rare and powerful tribute to the courage, skill, and perseverance of the pioneering women who proved that patriotism and aviation excellence know no gender.

Signers: Shirley Kruse, Bernice “Bee” Haydu, Elaine Harmon, Anna Mankiewicz, Nell Bright, Mayne “Pat” Tanner, Betty Strohfus, Florence “Shutsy” Reynolds

Unit: Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), U.S. Army Air Forces, 1942–1944

Medium: Hand-signed in ink on 11x14 photograph

A portion of the sale of this auction will be donated to the General James. H Doolittle Scholarship Fund. The General James H. Doolittle Scholarship Fund was founded to assist college students by awarding one scholarship annually in the maximum amount of $5,000 to a deserving student who is pursuing a baccalaureate or advanced degree in aeronautical engineering or an aerospace science. Students are selected based on their scholastic achievement, school and community participation, demonstrated leadership potential and financial need. More information can be found at the Doolittle Scholarship Funds’ website.

The autograph(s) includes an official PSA/DNA hologram and matching LOA for authenticity purposes.

Authentication: PSA LOA

Due to the uniqueness of each item, please refer to the photos provided in this auction. We offer high resolution images of each item rather than a written description of condition.

This item is being shipped from the Pristine Auction warehouse.