Hazel Lee [1912-1944] Experienced women pilots, like Lee, were
eager to join the WASP, and responded to interview requests by
Cochran. Members of the WASP reported to Avenger Field, in wind
swept Sweetwater, Texas for an arduous 6-month training program.
Lee was accepted into the 4th class, 43 W 4. Hazel Ying Lee was
the first Chinese American woman to fly for the United States
military. Although flying under military command, the women
pilots of the WASP were classified as civilians. They were paid
through the civil service. No military benefits were offered.
Even if killed in the line of duty, no military funerals were
allowed. The WASPs were often assigned the least desirable
missions, such as winter trips in open cockpit airplanes.
Commanding officers were reluctant to give women any flying
deliveries. It took an order from the head of the Air Transport
Command to improve the situation. Upon graduation, Lee was
assigned to the third Ferrying Group at Romulus, Michigan. Their
assignment was critical to the