Arlington and WASP pilots - Latest news - Curt Lewis

Senators: Let female WWII pilots into Arlington Cemetery

Women Airforce Service Pilots

WASHINGTON - Two dozen U.S. senators want the Army to reverse a policy change barring female World War II pilots from having their ashes placed at Arlington National Cemetery.

The pilots are known as Women Airforce Service Pilots, or WASPs. They flew military aircraft in noncombat roles to free up male pilots for combat. They were considered civilians until Congress granted them veteran status in 1977.

For years, the women were permitted to have their ashes placed at Arlington. But last year, the Army reversed course. Cemetery officials say WASPs never should have been let in and that space in the cemetery is limited.

On Thursday, a group of senators led by Georgia Republican Johnny Isakson and Connecticut Democrat Richard Blumenthal called on Acting Army Secretary Patrick Murphy to restore WASPs' eligibility.

President Obama signs S.614_ a bill to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the Women Airforce Service Pilots_ on July 1_ 2009_ in the Oval Office. Women Airforce Service Pilots _WASP_ was established during World War II_ and from 1942 to 1943_ more than a thousand women joined_ flying 60 million miles of non-combat military missions. Of the women who received their wings as Women Airforce Service Pilots_ approximately 300 are living today. _Photo_ Pete Souza_The White House_