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or the Army Nurse Corps uniform by civilian women pilots. It was suggested that either of these uniforms, modified by changes in buttons and shoulder loops, would prove more desirable from a functional standpoint than a uniform of a more delicate shade.40 AAF Headquarters had no objection to examining samples of modified WAC and nurses' uniforms, but it wanted no delay in the planning and development of a distinctive uniform, "and all samples were to embody the desirable features indicated previously to The Quartermaster General."41

ASF Headquarters directed the OQMG to submit to the AAF one modified WAC uniform, and one new type, sky-blue uniform, tentatively accepted for the WASP by the Commanding General, AAF.42 ASF Headquarters indicated that "by sufficient thought and effort" The Quartermaster General could prepare and submit modified uniforms that would be "distinctive, have appeal, and be functionally acceptable for civilian women pilots."43 The Philadelphia Depot sent the OQMG a modified nurses' jacket, using the standard golden orange and ultramarine blue colors of the Air Corps in the braid trimming on the shoulder loops. The Depot pointed out, however, that the only readily made modifications were the addition of some decorative braid on the shoulder loops and sleeves, and the use of a distinctive type of button. As still another alternative, the Depot suggested using powder-blue uniform of the Hostess and Librarian Service, which it thought could be modified to provide a smart and distinctive uniform for the WASP.44

Although these suggestions were made, the AAF had its own ideas of what constituted a distinctive uniform, and the development of WASP clothing was along lines outlined at the first conference on the subject with OQMG personnel. Primary consideration was given to appearance because of its effect upon morale and to functional characteristics of the clothing designed. Utility clothing, in particular, required flexibility and safety features, such as covered button closures and elimination of straps, buckles, and other items which might cause snagging and prevent quick exit from a plane in case of emergency.45 Responsibility for the development of WASP clothing at the OQMG was placed with the Clothing Section of the Research and Development Branch, and there was close cooperation between OQMG personnel and the Director of the WASP. Original samples, embodying features desired, were made by leading manufacturers, who were given latitude in the matter of civilian trade practices as these affected style and fitting qualifications.46 These were submitted to the WASP for review, and functional garments were sent to various WASP bases for testing under actual flying conditions.

From the beginning of the program the Director of the WASP had made a distinction between items to be issued47 to the women pilots and those which were to be made available to them for purchase48 to complete the uniform.49 All items were to be developed and procured by The Quartermaster General. The OQMG made an investigation


40 Maj. Gen. Lucius D. Clay, Director of Materiel, ASF, to the Commanding General, AAF, Aug. 17, 1943, 1st ind. to basic letter, Headquarters, AAF, to the Commanding General, ASF, July 31, 1943, "Clothing for Women Pilots."

41 Headquarters, AAF, to the Commanding General, ASF, Aug. 20, 1943, 2nd ind. to above citation. Apparently ASF opposition continued, for Brig. Gen. W. E. Hall, Deputy Chief of the Air Staff, wrote that the converted WAC and nurses' uniforms previously inspected and approved by General Arnold were to be available on Sept. 6. "I recommend that in order to strengthen our case for procurement of the uniform which General Arnold wants, we suspend action until the three uniforms have been compared by you as this will give us an opportunity to say that we have seen the converted uniforms and find them unsatisfactory. Following this action I shall prepare a memorandum for you to the Chief of Staff requesting that authority be granted for procurement of the uniforms and equipment which we desire." Memorandum for General Giles, Sept. 2, 1943, "Uniform for the WASP." Such a letter was sent. See Brig. Gen. W. E. Hall to the Chief of Staff, Sept. 10, 1943, "Clothing for Women Pilots in the Army Air Forces." This course of action worked to the satisfaction of the AAF, for on Sept. 23 the Director of the Requirements Division, ASF, was notified that the Deputy Chief of Staff had approved a uniform for the women pilots and wanted procurement expedited. "He understood that some delay was being incurred due to discussions of this subject. He had approved of the uniform so no further discussion is necessary." Maj. Gen. W. D. Styer to the Director of Requirements Division, ASF, Sept. 23, 1943, "Uniforms for women pilots of the Army Air Forces."

42 Brig. Gen. W. A. Wood, Jr., Director, Requirements Division, ASF, to the Quartermaster General, Aug. 20, 1943, "Clothing for Women Pilots."

43 Ibid.

44 Maj. Wm. L. Johnson, PGMD, to The Quartermaster General, Aug. 28, 1943, "Uniforms for Women's Airforce Service Pilot Command."

45 Louis L. Weitz, former chief of the Clothing Section, to Dr. E. Risch, May 25, 1945.

46 Ibid.

47 In the original list the items of issue included a duffle bag; summer and winter beret; a field and a wool cap; work coveralls; insignia; leather gloves and wool inserts; summer and winter jackets in both long and short, zippered styles; trigger-finger mittens and inserts; 4-buckle, arctic and low overshoes; a field trench overcoat and a parka type one; a raincoat; summer and winter slacks and skirts; ski and knee-length wool socks; cardigan sweaters, and an exercise suit.

48 Items which could be purchased included cotton and wool anklets, a utility bag, leather dress gloves, neckties, a scarf, low black dress shoes, winter and summer shirts, rayon stockings, and wool underwear.

49 Jacqueline Cochran to the Commanding General, AAF, July 15, 1943, "Uniforms for Women Pilots in the Army Air Forces."

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