M. Jane Doyle Collection

Jane B. Doyle in airplane
WASP Jane B. Doyle poses in the cockpit of an airplane, circa 1944.
Jane Doyle and fellow WASP
Jane Doyle (left) and Faye Wolfe (right), both of WASP class 44-W-4, pose in their Santiago blue dress uniforms with berets," handbag, and white gloves, circa 1944.
Jane Doyle in front of AT-6 plane
Jane Doyle stands in front of an AT-6 aircraft, circa 1944. She wears a WASP flight suit with parachute and type A-2 leather jacket, and appears to hold pillows, probably to sit on.
Jane Doyle on wing of PT-17 plane
Jane Doyle sits on the wing Stearman PT-17 airplane, circa 1944. She wears a WASP flight suit, type A-2 leather jacket with Fifinella insignia, and flight helmet with goggles.
Jane Doyle, circa 1944
Jane Doyle is pictured on a tarmac in the WASP flight suit, type A-2 leather jacket, and flight helmet, circa 1944.
Oral history interview with Jane Doyle
Primarily documents Jane Doyle's service in the WASP during World War II. Doyle briefly discusses her childhood and education, including her desire to become an architect. She talks about earning her private pilot license through the Civilian Pilot Training Program and joining the Civil Air Patrol to keep up her flying time. She also recalls receiving a notice about the WASP from Jacqueline Cochran and shares her family's reaction to her enlistment. " Doyle discusses her WASP training in Sweetwater, Texas, including her impression of the city; flight instructors; zootsuit and dress uniforms; a typical day's schedule; the death of a WASP; night flying; and the PT-19, BT-13, PT-17, and AT-6 airplanes. She talks about cross-country flying including one run-in with bad weather and shares memories of her graduation, including a moment with Jacqueline Cochran. " Of her time stationed in Seymour, Indiana, Doyle recalls meeting her husband; ferrying planes; living with army nurses; social activities; favorite songs; and her dog, Skippy. She talks about the disbanding of the WASP and gives her reasons for not joining the air force reserve. Other topics include: the mood of the country during WWII; her father's German heritage; D-Day; VJ [victory in Japan] Day; the dropping of the atomic bombs; President Franklin Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt; Jacqueline Cochran; and maintaining friendships with fellow WASPs.
Three WASPs in front of propeller
Jane B. Doyle (left) and two fellow WASPs pose together on a tarmac in front of a plane, circa 1944. Doyle wears the WASP battle jacket and slacks with a field cap. The middle WASP wears the Santiago blue dress uniform with skirt and beret but no jacket, while the WASP on the right wears the Santiago blue dress uniform with slacks and a field cap, also without the jacket.