Photos of WWII Notable Women

In 1943, Jacqueline Cochran founded the WASPS (Women's Air Force Service Pilots) program.

Jacqueline "Jackie" Cochran was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for services to her country during World War II.

Official portrait of Jackie Cochran in her WASPS uniform.

Jacqueline Cochran in her plane.

Lieutenant Commander Mildred H. McAfee, USNR, the first female commissioned officer in U.S. Navy history, and the first Director of the WAVES.

LCDR Mildred H. McAfee, USNR, Director of the WAVES (left), and LCDR Dorothy Stratton, USCGR, Director of the SPARS, witness the oath-taking by 418 women who have joined the Navy and Coast Guard, circa early 1943. The ceremony took place in front of New York City Hall.

Mildred H. McAfee takes the oath of office to become a Lieutenant Commander in the Naval Reserve and Director of the Navy's Women's Reserve, at the Navy Department, 3 August 1942. Administering the oath is Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox.

Lieutenant Commander Mildred H. McAfee, USNR. Photographed in 1942-43, while serving as Director of the WAVES.

Lieutenant Commander Joy Bright Hancock, USNR. Photographed circa 1943.

Captain Joy Bright Hancock, USN, Assistant Chief of Naval Personnel for Women. Photographed circa 1951.

Captain Joy Bright Hancock, USN. Portrait by David Komuro, Washington, D.C., circa 1953.

Captain Joy Bright Hancock, USN. Portrait in evening dress uniform, by David Komuro, 1955.