Immediate Impact
Women contributed a great deal to the U.S. war effort in World War II. Almost 400,000 women served in the military for the duration of the war plus six months. When the war was over, all female military branches disbanded. Because women had worked so well in the military, in 1948 Congress decided to pass the Women's Armed Services Integration Act which allowed them to serve as permanent, regular members of the armed forces.
|
"During the time I have had WACs under my command they have met every test and task assigned to them... their contributions in
efficiency, skill, spirit and determination are immeasurable." - General Eisenhower, U.S. Army, 1945 He went on to fight for a permanent place for women in the military. |
There were large numbers of women who volunteered in all branches of the military. When the WAAC was first approved by Congress, 35,000 women signed up for 1,000 anticipated job positions.
Initially the women in the Army served in the capacity of auxiliary members (Women's Auxiliary Army Corps.) In 1943, Congress changed the WAAC into WAC (Women's Army Corps,) where women had the same pay, protection, and rights as their male counterparts. The army also had a greater need for women to go overseas, especially towards the end of the war.
|
|
For the Marines initial recruitment, there were only 34 different job assignments available. By the end of the war, more than 225 different job responsibilities were recorded.
At first, people resisted having women join the military. As time went on and the number of the men in the U.S. available to serve decreased, people began to accept and realize that women were truly needed. As women demonstrated their high-quality skills and work ethic, they became respected as a valuable source for the manpower requirement.
Many commanders at first were hesitant to have women help in the war effort, but when they saw them succeeding, they supported their efforts.
|
"I was one of the doubters in the early days... and I was definitely reluctant to see this women's program started. However, after it (the WAVES) started and after I saw it work, I became a convert."
- Fleet Admiral Nimitz, U.S. Navy |
"Women who stepped up were measured as citizens of the nation, not as women... This was a people's war, and everyone was in it." -Colonel Hobby Director, WAAC/WAC 1942-1945 |
Many women received medals during World War II, including Oveta Culp Hobby. She was the first woman to be director of WAC, and the first woman to receive the Distinguished Service Medal. |
Women had worked in American wars before, but never made as big of an impact as they did in World War II.