IL HJR0126

Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) flew noncombat missions during World War II to free up male pilots for combat duty.

WASPs were originally classified as civilians; 38 died in crashes without receiving military benefits, but were granted veteran status in 1977.

Since 2002, WASP remains have been buried at Arlington National Cemetery with military honors, but the U.S. Army recently claimed the cemetery superintendent lacked authority to allow these burials.

The Army stated that under federal law, WASPs are only eligible for burial at Department of Veterans Affairs cemeteries, not Arlington.

Illinois urges the U.S. Army to reverse its decision and continue allowing WASPs to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.