Shirley Slade: WWII Wasp Pilot & Life Magazine Cover Girl
Could a young woman, barely out of her teens, truly soar to the heights of wartime heroism? The story of Shirley Slade, a name etched in the annals of aviation history, provides an unequivocal answer: yes.
Born in Chicago in 1921, Shirley Slade's life took flight in ways few could have predicted. The winds of World War II swept her into the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) program, a groundbreaking initiative that saw courageous women like her take to the skies to support the war effort. Her journey, marked by dedication, skill, and an unwavering spirit, serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the breaking of gender barriers.
Shirley Slade, later known as Shirley Slade Teer, became an emblem of the WASP program. Her image, captured on the cover of Life magazine on July 19, 1943, immortalized her as a symbol of a new era, showcasing the contributions of women who bravely piloted military aircraft during the Second World War. Her story, which included challenges, achievements, and moments of triumph, is a captivating glimpse into a bygone era.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shirley Slade Teer |
| Date of Birth | 1921 |
| Place of Birth | Chicago, Illinois |
| Date of Death | April 26, 2000 (Age 79) |
| Education | Details of education, if available |
| Marriages | Married Major William R. Berkeley; Married Gene Lafitte Teer |
| Notable Achievements | One of the first women to fly military planes during World War II as a member of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP); Featured on the cover of Life magazine (July 19, 1943); Awarded the Congressional Gold Medal posthumously in 2010. |
| Military Service | Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) during World War II |
| Service Locations | Dodge City AAF, Kansas; Harlingen AAF, Texas; Love Field, Dallas, Texas |
| Parent | John Carroll Slade and Katharine Keyes Slade |
| Other Details | Burial Location: May be buried in Texas; Memorial: Possibly a cenotaph. |
| External Link | Women In Military Service For America Memorial |
Shirleys life wasn't just about the daring flights. It was also about breaking ground in a male-dominated field. During WWII, the U.S. Air Force solicited over a thousand women to join the program, and Shirley was one of the lucky ones chosen for this elite group. The WASPs, as they became known, flew a wide variety of missions, including ferrying aircraft, towing targets for live-fire exercises, and training male pilots. Their contribution was invaluable, freeing up male pilots for combat duty.
Her service took her to several bases across the country, including Dodge City AAF in Kansas, Harlingen AAF in Texas, and Love Field in Dallas. These were not mere stops along the way; they were the foundations upon which she built her expertise and furthered her mission. Each location held its unique set of challenges, and she met them head-on, never wavering in her dedication to her duty.
In a world where women's roles were traditionally limited, the WASPs proved that they were just as capable as men when it came to aviation. They were pioneers, forging a path for future generations of female pilots. Their courage, determination, and contributions were instrumental in changing perceptions and opening doors that had been firmly closed for decades.
The WASP program was the brainchild of two remarkable women: Jacqueline Cochran and Nancy Harkness Love. Cochran, a pioneering aviator, wrote to Eleanor Roosevelt, suggesting a corps of female flyers. Love, in turn, wrote to the ferry division of the Army Air Forces with a similar proposal. Their vision became a reality, and thousands of women answered the call to serve.
The impact of the WASP program extended far beyond the war years. These women's contributions led the way for further advancements for women in aviation. While initially, they were not recognized as veterans, their service was eventually acknowledged with the awarding of the Congressional Gold Medal in 2010, a decade after Shirley Slade Teer passed away on April 26, 2000, at the age of 79. Though she couldn't physically be present, her legacy was celebrated with all the other WASP women. Her spirit was very much alive in the ceremony. The honor signified a long overdue recognition of their extraordinary service and sacrifice.
Shirley Slade's story is not just a historical account; it's a symbol of courage, resilience, and the breaking of societal barriers. It is the narrative of a woman who dared to dream beyond the confines of her time, and in doing so, inspired countless others to reach for the sky.
It's noteworthy that Shirley Slades story is also told through a unique lens in the French language, using phrases that captured the essence of her service in a different cultural context. The French text highlighted the role of WASPs and their mission: "Comme shirley slade, cest au sein de cette unit appele WASP, pour Women Airforce Service Pilots, que des centaines de jeunes femmes ont particip leffort de guerre dans un rle dfini lpoque comme secondaire mais nanmoins vital." This is significant as it underscores the international recognition of the WASPs' contribution to WWII.
Shirleys life wasn't confined to the cockpit. After the war, she continued to make her mark, marrying twice, and starting a new life. The details surrounding her life after her military service add another layer to her persona. She married Major William R. Berkeley in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, and later Gene Lafitte Teer. These relationships represent different phases of her life, showcasing her evolution beyond the war.
The fact that Shirley Slade was on the cover of Life magazine, a leading publication of the time, on July 19, 1943, speaks volumes about her iconic status. The magazine clipping of a brief item discussing the cover subject indicates her widespread fame. It provided details about her as a WASP trainee, and directed readers to learn more. Her presence on the cover was a significant moment, elevating her and the WASP program into the public consciousness.
The accounts of those who knew her and saw her picture, highlight the mystery surrounding her, particularly when contrasted with a picture of a child from a later time, as expressed by the phrase "Picture of shirley slade (bodes knows of whom i speak) but that's where the mystery started for me." This also shows the impact her achievements had over decades, making her a subject of interest long after her death.
Her story also reflects the circumstances women in aviation faced. The role of women in the WASP program and their struggle for acceptance are highlighted. They were pioneers who had to overcome challenges in a male-dominated field. The fact that they weren't initially recognized as veterans underscores the difficulties they faced and the subsequent fight for acknowledgment of their invaluable contributions. This shows the evolution of their service and the fight they continued to undertake even after the war ended.
She was also a stewardess for Pan American Airways in New York City. She became a supervisor of flight services. This shows a progression from an early life in Chicago, to the service in WWII, and eventually back into the world of commercial aviation in the later years. Her journey from the skies of wartime to the world of commercial aviation, and her subsequent marriage, suggests a life filled with diverse experiences.
While Shirley Slade is no longer with us, her story lives on. It continues to inspire, reminding us of the strength and determination of those who dared to break barriers and the impact of those who paved the way. Her legacy serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when individuals are given the chance to pursue their dreams, regardless of gender or societal expectations.
