WW2 & Kentuckians: Voices of a Generation

World War II enabled women to see a side of life that had never been open to them before. Women journalists experienced the thrill of covering huge stories that before had been only allowed to men. By the end of the war, 127 American women secured official military accreditation as war correspondents. Professional careers were now available to women.

The government encouraged women to relocate for jobs and offered traveling preparation advice and organizations to help them find jobs. Women's Army for National Defense (WAND) was set up to mobilize women for civilian defense. The Womens Land Army of the US Crop Corps, 1944, was established to attract 800,000 women to farm work. The government created "Rosie the Riveter" as a patriotic symbol to encourage women. They told women it was their duty while the men were away. Women were now to be the protectors and providers of their families. They were to be strong and independent while their men were off fighting. However, the government wanted it clear that this was a temporary situation. Woman is a substitute, claimed a War Department Brochure, like plastic instead of metal.

"It was with a feeling of pride and uncertainty that I started my day as a farm helper. . . Tired? Of course I get tired, but so does that boy in the foxhole. That boy, whose place I'm trying so hard to fill."
-- Mrs. Leslie Tresham

On May 14th 1942, a bill was passed establishing a "Women's Army Auxillary Corp" or WAACS with Oveta Culp Harvey as its Director (wife of the former governor of Texas). Later that year the WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) were formed as a response to the growing need of positions within the armed forces. The first director of the WAVES was none other than Lt. Commander. Mildred McAffee- the president of Wellesley College. Various organizations would then spring forth such as the Coast Guard SPARS, Airforce WASPS and the Marine Corp Womens Reserve. Upon the growth of the WAACS, President Roosevelt himself signed into law the establishment of the WAACS as an official part of the US Army, re-designating it the WACS.

By July 1944 there were over 100,000 women serving in the United States Armed forces. Not confined simply to the roles of clerical or medical fields, women were serving in positions close to or directly exposed to enemy fire and attacks. In Italy alone, women were put in charge of key communications, support services, military intelligence analysis and even reconnaissance flying.

Mrs. Maxine Handziak from Winchester explained a little about her experiences:

" I went to Washington DC. I was with the Bureau of ships and taking care of countries that would buy supplies or things from us. If a different country needed ammunition or things like that, I was in the record department and took care of them."

Women continued to serve overseas through 1945 and at one point there were over 2000 WACs serving in North Africa alone. From there women were sent to Italy to serve with the 5th Army and these women moved all over Italy during the Italian campaign handling the communications; they earned commendations, bronze stars and the respect of their fellow soldiers as they sloughed through mud, lived in tents, dived into foxholes and dugouts during the Anzio air raids. During the battle on Anzio, six Army Nurses were killed by the German bombing and strafing of the tented hospital area. Four Army Nurses among the survivors were awarded Silver Stars for extraordinary courage under fire. In all, more than 200 Army Nurses lost their lives during World War II.

Nurses received 1,619 medals, citations, and commendations during the war, reflecting the courage and dedication of all who served. Sixteen medals were awarded posthumously to nurses who died as a result of enemy fire. Thirteen flight nurses died in aircraft crashes while on duty. Sixteen women received the Purple Heart , awarded to soldiers injured due to enemy action. The Bronze Star was awarded to 565 women for meritorious service overseas. Over 700 WACs received medals and citations at the end of the war. Countless women served in all branches of the service stateside and relieved or replaced men for combat duty overseas. Women performed admirably in every conceivable job imaginable including the dedicated WASPS who flew military aircraft to destination bases, suffered casualties, and yet were denied full miltary status.