Union City, Tenn.–Doris Tanner of Union City, Tennessee wore this uniform coat during her service as part of The Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) in World War II.
WASP was organized in August 1943 as a federal civil service branch that combined the Women’s Flying Training Detachment (WFTD) and the Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS). Because most men were needed as soldiers during the war, the military turned to women for help. These women were trained to pilot all the United States Army’s aircraft.
Following completion of an aircraft, it was generally members of WASP who flew it to combat zones in Europe and the Pacific.
Doris Tanner’s uniform is on display as part of the “Tennessee at 225: Highlights from the Collection” exhibition: https://bit.ly/3djWHzW