This is the story of Nancy Harkness Love who, early in World War II, recruited and led the first group of 28 women to fly military aircraft for the US Army.

Love was hooked on flight at an early age. At 16, after just four hours of instruction, she flew solo “a rather broken down Fleet biplane that my barnstorming instructor imported from parts unknown”. The year was 1930: Record-setting aviator Jacqueline Cochran (and Love’s future rival) had not yet learned to fly, and the most famous woman pilot of all time, Amelia Earhart, had yet to make her acclaimed solo Atlantic flight.

When the United States entered World War II, the Army needed pilots to transport or “ferry” its combat-bound aircraft across the United States for overseas deployment and its trainer airplanes to flight training bases. Most male pilots were assigned to combat preparation, leaving few available for ferrying jobs. Into this vacuum stepped Nancy Love and her civilian Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS).

Nancy Love advised the Ferrying Division, which was part of the Air Transport Command, as to the best use of their WASP ferry pilots. She supervised their allocation and air-training program. She proved adept at organizing and inspiring those under her command, earning the love and admiration of her pilots.

The book is published by University of North Texas Press. The audiobook is published by University Press Audiobooks

"This book is a must-read." (Peggy Chabrian, President/Founder, Women in Aviation, International)

"A must-read for all who relish courage, tenacity, and a fearless desire to serve our nation in time of its greatest need." (Brig. Gen. Linda K. McTague, Air National Guard)

"This is an 'edge of your seat' story even if you know the outcome.... Worthy of the best-seller list!" (Commander Trish Beckman, U.S. Navy (Ret.))