Background
Women's Army Corps (WAC)
"You are pioneers. There were many bets against you when you first came... that you couldn't take it with the boys; that American women couldn't endure Army discipline; that you'd use for your femininity when the going got rough; that you'd break within a year. Everyone who bet against you, lost."
-Captain Mary Hallaren Commander, First WAC Battalion |
In 1941, Congresswoman Edith Rogers introduced a bill to establish a Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps. After the bombing attack on Pearl Harbor, the bill was finally taken into consideration because of the expected manpower shortage of a two-front war. It officially became a law on May 15, 1942. Rogers believed that women should have equal rights and the same protection in the war as men.
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Marine Corps Women's Reserve
The Women’s Marines Corps was established in 1943, as the last branch to allow women. "They are Marines. They don't have a nickname and they don't need one. They get their basic training in a Marine atmosphere at a Marine post. They inherit the traditions of Marines. They are Marines."
- Marine Corps Commandant General Thomas Holcomb |
Coast Guard Women's Reserve (SPARs)
The Women’s Coast Guard Reserve was the smallest unit in the American military. These women were unable to serve at sea, just on the continental U.S. soil.
"The initials of the Coast Guard's motto (Semper Paratus - Always Ready) are, of course, SPAR. Why not call the members of the Women's Reserve SPARs?. . . .As I understand it, a spar is....a supporting beam and that is what we hope each member of the Women's Reserve will be."
- Captain Dorothy Stratton, first director of SPARs |
Navy Women's Reserve (WAVES)
The Navy's Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service had higher enlistment standards that required them to have a college education or work experience. "Pearl Harbor made a big difference to us, to the whole country, not just to the women in the Navy."
- Dorothy Forsberg, WAVES |