HD: Bombs Away on Stereotypes

In reference to the cartoon ``You've Come a Long Way, Baby,'' May 3: I was a woman bomber pilot in World War II (B-24s and B-26s). We were shot up quite a bit by student gunners or antiaircraft gunnery practice B-26 pilots. And the WASPs (Women Air Force Service Pilots) who were bomber pilots on B-17s for student navigators carried live bombs. We flew every fighter and every bomber (including the first jet) in the United States Air Force.

The cartoon gives the impression that women flying bombers and carrying bombs is something new, and the grin implies that women bomber or fighter pilots love bombing. Women military pilots have been flying bombers for 50 years. We wonder why newspapers seem to think this is something new. Hazel Hohn, Reno, Nev.

Your letters are welcome. For publication they must be signed and include your address and telephone number. Only a selection can be published, and none acknowledged. Letters should be addressed to "Readers Write," and can be sent by Internet E-mail (200 word maximum) to OPED@RACHEL.CSPS.COM, by fax to 617-450-2317, or by mail to One Norway St., Boston, MA 02115.One Norway St., Boston, MA 02115.