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NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM [[logo]] SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20560

To: The Members of Northern Virginia Chapter # 33 of the Women's Army Corps Veterans Association

From: Deborah G. Douglas
      Aeronautics Department

I am currently writing a book for the National Air and Space Museum on U.S. Aviation from 1939 to the present. It is intended to be the companion volume to previous works by Claudia Oakes and Kathleen Brooks-Pazmany on this same topic. The word "aviation" which appears in all of the titles is used in its broadest sense to include women who were, for example, aircraft mechanics, aeronautical engineers or flight attendants in addition to women pilots.

The accomplishments of both civilian and military women will be part of the text. Typically, when discussing the military side, the contributions of the WASPs and WAFs are often mentioned. While these are important, too often the Army Air Forces WACs are neglected. Given that some 40,000 of the 100,000 WACs were Air Forces WACs it is obvious that a significant chapter of history has not received proper recognition.

My research draws on many resources but it will be the individual stories of aeronautical women that will make the text exciting. My contacts at this point in time with former WACs have been severely limited which is why I had hoped to attend today's luncheon. If you would be interested in working with me (whether sharing a scrapbook or a story) I would be delighted to hear from you! Please contact me at the Museum either by mail or by telephone or leave word with Mrs. Betty Reilly. Many thanks for your assistance. I hope today's Birthday Luncheon is a big success. 

Deborah G. Douglas
Aeronautics Department, Rm. 3309
National Air and Space Museum
Smithsonian Institution
Washington, DC 20560
202-357-2515