The Ypsilanti daily press. (Ypsilanti, Mich.) 1928-1962, 1943-08-14
BY Charles 3. Stewart

WASHINGTON, d. Can under
cover movement is afoot to put the
women pilots, who ferry planes
from factory to field, into the WAC.
No legislation is necessary, II Is
said-just a nod from Secretary Of
War Henry l.. Stimson.
While Army brass hats worry
over whether or not il is best to
put the Women's Auxiliary Ferry
squadron into the WAC. women
pilots themselves do not complain.
Whether they are flying WACS or
flying civilians does not apparent
ly make any difference to them, as
long as they are flying!
Their champions, including men
ferry pilots, are no so complacent.
They say it is a shame these girls
who daily combat danger in the
air are deprived OF privileges en-
joyed by the WACS or the recogni-
ton accorded men ferry pilots.
As Congresswoman Edith Nourse
Rogers, mother of the WACS',
puts il. These courageous women
pilots certainly deserve and have
earned a military status. would
be delighted to see them a part OF
he Women's Army Corps
This Massachusetts congresswo-
man. who drafted the legislation
putting women into the armed
forces. is certain that no new legis-
lation is necessary TO give the WON
en- pilots military status.
The men and women ferry pilots
20 through the SAME training pro-
cedure only. after 90-day proba-
ton. the male pilots are indicted
as Army officers with rank accord
ing TO age and ability
The girls continue as civilians.
with less pay, fewer privileges, and
less official recognition than their
male colleagues.
Their civil service rating gives
them $4,000 a year teven during
probation men make sS,600), plus
IS per diem when away from the
base.
Out OF this salary, she must buy
her own uniform (which is not
uniform. pay her own mess and
barrack bills and delete govern
meut deductions She rs given
scarcely more consideration than
government stenographer. who does
not risk her pretty neck every
morning.
when and II they become alb
sorbed by the WAC, the female
pilots could:
Receive the rank OF nrst Or
second lieutenant
Receive base pay In accord
ance with their rank (sl,s0O, plus
5000 when flying, for second lieu
tenants $1,000. plus $1,000 when
living for first lieutenants).
3-Subsistence pay for room and
board.
free medical attention and
disqualification.
5-An Army uniform-paid for.
s-Pensions which Congress may
grant after the war.
Today, IL she Is hurt on the JOB
she has only United States en-
Moves compensation, which, II in
iured for life, pays, at most Sis
a month. The government does
urge its employees, Army and civil
liam. to take out government In
surance up to $4,000. This, how
ever. is purely voluntary.
In case a woman pilot is killed
taiready, one has BEEN, no special
soldiers benefits are now forth
coming. CAS- Army flyers. the de-
pendents would receive base pay
for six months following the death
OF the individually
No doubt the WAC would vel
come the women pilots, not only
the $50 now flying but the 500 IN
training at Sweetwater, Tex. They
would add glamor, also boost WAC
recruiting. which is tagging.
But there is some sentiment for
a separate and distinct unit with
military status. No doubt the d.
rector and her staff would prefer
not to be ranked by WAC officers.
Strangely. the most reluctant
peoples in Washington 10 discuss.