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[[image - photograph]] [[caption]] WASP Summer Uniform and Utility Bag [[/caption]] slacks, a short-sleeved, cotton shirtwaist, and a summer utility bag were requested.77 The Quartermaster General was authorized to procure these items, for which samples and all necessary information to accomplish procurement were furnished by the AAF.78 In fact, a dress with a cardigan jacket and a WASP beret made of a thin, blue-striped fabric were procured, but the other items requested were cancelled because of the advanced season and the difficulty of obtaining approved samples.79 Procurement activity by the OQMG in behalf of the WASP came to an end in the fall of 1944, for the organization was to be inactivated on December 20, 1944. 80 The OQMG rendered one other service in this program. It was called upon for assistance in the development and procurement of service lapel buttons to be distributed to WASP personnel on December 20, 1944. The design, suggested by the AAF and approved by General Arnold, proposed a center made of blue enamel, carrying the WASP wings in silver impressed below the enameled surface, and the letters "WASP" in silver below the wings. The outer rim or circle was made of gold-colored metal with the designation "United States Army Air Forces" in suitable blue-enameled lettering.81 This proposed design was reviewed by the Heraldic Section, OQMG, and it was suggested that the rim also be made of solver to permit better manufacturing of the pin. The OQMG questioned the use of the words "United States Army Air Forces," since the WASP's were never authorized as part of that service.82 AAF Headquarters acquiesced in the proposed change of the rim to silver, but no other change was made in the design of the service pin, which was approved by order of the Secretary of War on November 20, 1944.83 By December 18, 1944, 1,000 of these pins, the entire design of which was 1/2-inch in diameter, were to be completed and delivered to the AAF Headquarters for distribution to the Wasps on December 20, 1944,84 77 Same to same, May 25, 1944, "Lighter Weight Clothing for WASPs." The development of such clothing had been delayed pending the passage of legislation giving a military status to the WASP, but since this legislation had not yet been enacted, further delay was deemed inadvisable. Until the new items could be developed, the nurses' seersucker slack suits were to be made available for purchase by the WASPs. 78 Col. H. R. W. Herwig, Air Quartermaster, to the Commanding General, ASF, June 2, 1944, "WASP Clothing," and 1st ind., Col. R. M. Osborn, Director, Research and Development Division, ASF, to The Quartermaster General, June 5, 1944. 79 Col. H. R. W. Herwig, Air Quartermaster, to The Quartermaster General, July 13, 1944, 1st ind. to Lt. Col. C. D. Garrett, OQMG, to Headquarters, AAF, July 1, 1944. 80 The OQMG was directed to cancel all outstanding contracts for WASP clothing and equipment on Oct. 5, 1944. Col. H. R. W. Herwig, Air Quartermaster, to the Director of Women Pilots, Oct. 18, 1944. 81 Col. Wm. F. McKee to the Assistant Chief of Air Staff, M & S, Nov. 18, 1944, "Service Pin for WASP Personnel." 82 Col G. F. Doriot to Military Personnel Division, ASF, Nov. 20, 1944 (1st ind.). 83 Col. Crawford F. Sams to the Commanding General, ASF, Nov. 20, 1944. 84 Col. G. F. Doriot to the Commanding General, PQMD, Nov. 20, 1944, "Service Pin for WASP Personnel." 154
