Monday, July 20, 2009

Woman's Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) officially recognized

Jessica Tribble Press Release:

PRESS RELEASE: New Fiction in the Midst of Historic Recognition - - Margit Liesche, Hollywood Buzz

President Obama signs WASP Congressional Gold Medal of Honor

Since they made history as trailblazing female pilots for the U.S. Army Air Force in World War II, the three hundred surviving octogenarian Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) have gone largely unrecognized.
No longer.  Congress has just awarded these adventurous ladies the Congressional Gold Medal--the highest civilian honor bestowed by the United States Congress--for extraordinary service they performed more than six decades ago. President Obama signed the enabling legislation  today. The actual award ceremony is expected sometime this fall.
In this historic moment of recognition, a timely new novel by Margit Liesche, Hollywood Buzz, captures the spirit of these intrepid women and sheds light on their courage and strength.
Hollywood Buzz is Liesche's second WWII home front novel  based on actual events and well-known figures. Jacqueline Cochran, the real-life leader of the WASP, plays a key role in its plot.
Ms. Liesche, who has been praised by reviewers for the way she skillfully weaves historical facts through her mysteries, is thrilled to anticipate the unfolding plans to bestow such a high honor tothe WASP.
"With this book, I set out to cast much deserved sunlight on this band of flying sisters," Liesche says. "I want to be there in person to see these inspiring women receive the top Congressional award they so richly deserve."
To learn more about the WASP and Hollywood Buzz, visit www.margitliesche.com. To purchase the book or to order it for your library, please go to www.ingrampublisherservices.com , Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or your favorite independent bookstore. 
Hollywood BuzzPraise for Hollywood Buzz:
"Fascinating reading and a perfect WASP profile. The story is true to the WASP spirit and love of adventure.  I loved every line." -- F.G. Shutsy-Reynolds, WASP Class 44-W-=5
"...an adventure honoring the underappreciated women who made such a difference."  Kirkus Reviews.
---
More about the WASP:
Between 1942 and 1944, 1,074 women earned their wings as WASP. Collectively, they logged more than 60 million miles, flying essential non-combat military missions so that their male counterparts could be deployed to combat. They towed targets for air and ground gunnery practice, tested new and refurbished planes, ferried the military's biggest bombers and fastest fighters, transported personnel and cargo, and trained navigators and bombardiers on the ground.
The WASP were never awarded full military status and were ineligible for officer status. Following the war, the women pilots paid their own way home. And for the 38 women who died in the line of duty, their families were saddled with the costs to transport their bodies and arrange burials. It was not until 1977 that the WASP were at last granted veterans' status.

No comments:

Post a Comment