IL HR0945

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

WASPs were classified as civilians and 38 women died in crashes without receiving military benefits; they were granted veteran status in 1977.

Since 2002, WASP pilots have been allowed to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery with military honors, but the U.S. Army recently claimed the cemetery superintendent lacked authority to permit this.

The Army stated that federal law restricts WASP burial eligibility to Department of Veterans Affairs cemeteries only.

Illinois House urges the U.S. Army to reverse its decision and allow WASPs to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery as their veteran status entitles them.