In addition to this, about 350,000 American women actually served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Although they were restricted to non-combatant roles, women were often brought close to the front lines, and their work was essential. By operating many of the behind-the-scenes mechanisms, women allowed for more men to be available to fight. Many women drove trucks, repaired aircraft, performed clerical work, and worked as nurses to treat wounded soldiers. More than 1600 female nurses were recognized for their courage under fire, receiving various decorations and honors.
Like minority men, minority women also contributed to the war effort. However, black women were not permitted into the Navy’s ranks until 1944. Also, because the American army was still segregated during WWII, black women served in black-only troops, and black nurses were only allowed to treat black soldiers.
Eleanor Roosevelt urged for the introduction of women’s service branches into the Army. General Marshall, who was impressed by Britain’s use of women in service, agreed with her. As a result, Congress instituted the Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps in May of 1942, which was soon upgraded to the Women’s Army Corps. By 1945, there were over 100,000 members of this branch. These WACs had full military status, and they held more than 200 types of non-combatant jobs. Also, there was the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) group which served in the Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps.
Another service group was the Women’s Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs), which consisted of the first women to fly American military aircraft. Each of these 1,000 women had obtained their pilot’s license prior to service. They flew planes from factories to military bases, transporting cargo. In addition, they freed thousands of American male pilots and participated in simulation missions. At the time, WASPs were considered civil service employees, and they did not receive full military status until 1977. 38 of these women lost their lives in the war. In 2010, WASPs received the prestigious Congressional Gold Medal, and over 200 former pilots from WWII attended the event.
I enjoyed how informative your blog post was; I didn't know women were so integral to the war effort. While researching I also found that there were woman who dressed as men to fight in wars, called "wartime cross-dressers". Though I couldn't find any who had participated in WW2, in the American Civil War, Deborah Sampson dressed as a man in order to serve in the Continental Army.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/deborah-sampson
I think this post captures the many ways in which women's roles were expanded and their true capabilities began to gain recognition in society.Along with many women becoming involved in army organizations, the aviation industry made up 65% of the whole industry during the war as opposed to making up 1% before the war. Rosie the Riveter became the symbol of these working women and became one of the most significant ways in which women were recruited for work.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/american-women-in-world-war-ii-1