The Women

This medal honors the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) in recognition of their pioneering military service and exemplary record, which forged revolutionary reform in the U.S. Armed Forces.

The Medal

The obverse, designed by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Master Designer Joel Iskowitz and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Phebe Hemphill, depicts the portrait of a WASP with three WASP in the foreground in flight uniforms walking toward their aircraft. An airborne AT-6 is featured in the background breaking through the inner rim of the medal. Inscriptions include WOMEN AIRFORCE SERVICE PILOTS and 1942–1944.

The reverse design features the three aircraft that are symbolic of the airplanes flown by the WASP trainers, fighters, and bombers during World War II; the AT-6 (Texan), indicated by the number 264; the B-26 (Martin Marauder), indicated by the number 967; and the P-51 (Mustang). The WASP wings are depicted at the base of the design. The inscriptions are THE FIRST WOMEN IN HISTORY TO FLY AMERICAN MILITARY AIRCRAFT, ACT OF CONGRESS and 2009. It was designed and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart.