American flag flying over U.S. Army Air Forces Sweetwater Airfield (Avenger Field) in Texas, during World War 2. Above one building is seen the image of “Fifinella” on the logo of the Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASP). Women Pilots, in civilian clothes arrive by bus and enter the building. Next, they are seen in formation performing calisthenics, led by a male Air Force instructor. They also do pushups, and pullups, on horizontal bars. (Some have difficulty with this.) Next, a woman supervisor is seen blowing a whistle and the women, now dressed in fatigues, lining up in formation. In a classroom, a U.S. Army instructor explains an aircraft engine, using a cutaway engine. They take classes in map reading, navigation, and Morse code, and must pass exams in the various subjects. An Army Air Forces pilot holds a model plane while describing maneuvers. Next, a WASP is seen with an instructor as she enters a Link trainer, to learn and practice instrument flying. Several Link trainers are seen rotating with WASP trainees in them. Two WASP women, in flying suits, don seat pack parachutes. They and others head toward North American T-6 trainer aircraft on a flight line. They board the airplanes, in pairs, with one in the forward cockpit and one in the rear. (Narrator comments that on the next flight they will change cockpit positions.) Closeup from the front, as engine starts and prop turns. Other T-6s are taxiing out for takeoff. The two women pilots being followed by the camera, are next seen on the runway taking off. Views of various T-6 aircraft in flight, including some of two maneuvering in close formation in sky filled with white clouds. A T-6 peels off and dives. T-6s are seen landing back at the field. Closeup of one woman pilot in the cockpit of a larger aircraft, checking her appearance with a compact mirror. Women pilots in bathing suits go for a mass swim in a lake. Views of them swimming. They relax in the sun, afterwards. Women pilots helping one another fashion their hair. Several views of WASP pilots marching and passing in review during a graduation ceremony at the airfield. View from the rear of WASPs standing at parade rest during ceremony where they receive their wings from famous woman pilot, Jacqueline Cochran, founder of the WASP. Closeup of Ms. Cochran, in civilian clothes, on a speakers stand. Closeups of individual women pilots in the formation and of others as they receive their wings from Jacqueline Cochran. Film concludes showing WASPs with their baggage, boarding C-47 transport aircraft to take them to their various assignments. Closeup of U.S. Army Air Forces Air Transport Command logo on side of the C-47. Inside the airplane, the WASPs don parachutes. The aircraft takes off.
A large number of Pre-World War II tanks moving across field in Fort Benning in Georgia. Several explosions in the field, two soldiers can be seen in foxhole. U.S. Army M2 Light Tanks enter enemy sector during a war practice at Fort Benning, tanks moving across field into and out of a gully, through woods, knocking down several small trees. Soldiers move across pontoon bridge on river to other side of river. A group of soldiers fire 75mm field artillery pieces set up in trees beside the road. Tracer bullets traveling across field and crews operate machine guns during night time.
Young Americans who have reached 21 years of age since the first draft registration sign up for military service at a recruiting office, and face immediate induction during World War 2. Young men line up for registration. Young men in queue and then seen filling out registration forms. Young men seated at a table.
A huge crowd cheering and celebrating the news of victory over Germany, ending World War 2, in Europe, on May 8, 1945 (VE Day). Cheering crowds gathering at Times Square and Wall Street in lower Manhattan, New York City. American flags on display.
Scenes of utter destruction from World War 2, in Germany. Wreckage and debris, destroyed neighborhoods, and fallen German soldiers. Surrendered German prisoners of war seen closeup and assembled in large group within confines of fenced field.
Newspaper headlines announce U.S. declaration of war on Japan in World War 2, such as 'Japan at war with US'. Supplies moved along a conveyor belt to waiting ships. Arms buildup in the United States as the U.S. enters World War II. Stockpiles of new tanks, Army trucks, and fighter airplanes lined up as U.S. war production increases.
CRITICALPAST.COM: About Us | Contact Us | FAQs - How to Order | License Agreement | My Account | My Lightboxes | Shopping Cart | Advanced Search | Featured Collections | Website Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy ©2026 CriticalPast LLC.
License Agreement |
Terms & Conditions |
Privacy Policy
©2026 CriticalPast LLC.