Timeline of women in warfare in the United States from 1900 to 1949

Last updated

This is a timeline of women in warfare in the United States from 1900 until 1949.

Contents

1900s

1910s

During the course of the war, 21,498 U.S. Army nurses (American military nurses were all women then) served in military hospitals in the United States and overseas. Many of these women were positioned near to battlefields, and they tended to over a million soldiers who had been wounded or were unwell. [5] 272 U.S. Army nurses died of disease (mainly tuberculosis, influenza, and pneumonia). [6] In 1917 U.S. Army nurses Clara Ayres and Helen Wood became the first female members of the U.S. military killed in the line of duty. They were killed on May 20, 1917, while with Base Hospital #12 aboard USS Mongolia en route to France. The ship's crew fired the deck guns during a practice drill, and one of the guns exploded, spewing shell fragments across the deck and killing Nurses Ayres and Wood. [7] [8] Eighteen African-American Army nurses served stateside caring for German prisoners of war (POWs) and African-American soldiers. They were assigned to Camp Grant, IL, and Camp Sherman, OH, and lived in segregated quarters. [9] [10] [11]

Hello Girls was the colloquial name for American female switchboard operators in World War I, formally known as the Signal Corps Female Telephone Operators Unit. During World War I, these switchboard operators were sworn into the Army Signal Corps. [12] This corps was formed in 1917 from a call by General John J. Pershing to improve the worsening state of communications on the Western front. Applicants for the Signal Corps Female Telephone Operators Unit had to be bilingual in English and French to ensure that orders would be heard by anyone. Over 7,000 women applied, but only 450 women were accepted. Many of these women were former switchboard operators or employees at telecommunications companies. [12] Despite the fact that they wore Army Uniforms and were subject to Army Regulations (and Chief Operator Grace Banker received the Distinguished Service Medal), [13] they were not given honorable discharges but were considered "civilians" employed by the military, because Army Regulations specified the male gender. Not until 1978, the 60th anniversary of the end of World War I, did Congress approve veteran status and honorable discharges for the remaining women who had served in the Signal Corps Female Telephone Operators Unit. [14]

The first American women enlisted into the regular armed forces were 13,000 women admitted into active duty in the U.S. Navy during the war. They served stateside in jobs and received the same benefits and responsibilities as men, including identical pay (US$28.75 per month), and were treated as veterans after the war.

The U.S. Marine Corps enlisted 305 female Marine Reservists (F) to "free men to fight" by filling positions such as clerks and telephone operators on the home front.

In 1918 during the war, twin sisters Genevieve and Lucille Baker transferred from the Naval Coastal Defense Reserve and became the first uniformed women to serve in the U.S. Coast Guard. [15] [16] [17] [18] Before the war ended, several more women joined them, all of them serving in the Coast Guard at Coast Guard Headquarters. [18]

These women were demobilized when hostilities ceased, and aside from the Nurse Corps the uniformed military became once again exclusively male. In 1942, women were brought into the military again, largely following the British model. [19] [20]

1920s

1930s

1940s

1942

1943

1944

1945

CAPT Nellie Jane DeWitt, USN Nellie Jane DeWitt.jpg
CAPT Nellie Jane DeWitt, USN
Fannie Salter, USCG Lighthouse keeper.jpg
Fannie Salter, USCG
SSgt Esther Blake, USAF Esther Blake.png
SSgt Esther Blake, USAF
Captain Joy Bright Hancock, USN Joy Hancock;h49392k.jpg
Captain Joy Bright Hancock, USN
Colonel Katherine Amelia Towle, USMC Towle KA USMC.jpg
Colonel Katherine Amelia Towle, USMC

1946

1947

1948

WAVES recruitment poster WAVES recruitment poster.jpg
WAVES recruitment poster

1949

See also

Related Research Articles

The United States Armed Forces are the military forces of the United States. The armed forces consists of six service branches: the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard. The president of the United States is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces and forms military policy with the Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS), both federal executive departments, acting as the principal organs by which military policy is carried out. All six armed services are among the eight uniformed services of the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Good Conduct Medal (United States)</span> United States military award

The Good Conduct Medal is one of the oldest military awards of the United States Armed Forces. The U.S. Navy's variant of the Good Conduct Medal was established in 1869, the Marine Corps version in 1896, the Coast Guard version in 1923, the Army version in 1941, and the Air Force version in 1963; the Air Force Good Conduct Medal was temporarily discontinued from February 2006 to February 2009, followed by its subsequent reinstatement.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United States Aviator Badge</span> US military aviation badge

A United States Aviator Badge refers to three types of aviation badges issued by the United States Armed Forces, those being for Air Force, Army, and Naval aviation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United States Coast Guard Reserve</span> Reserve component of the United States Coast Guard

The United States Coast Guard Reserve is the reserve component of the United States Coast Guard. It is organized, trained, administered, and supplied under the direction of the Commandant of the Coast Guard through the Assistant Commandant for Reserve (CG-R).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WAVES</span> Womens branch of the United States Naval Reserve during World War II

The United States Naval Reserve (Women's Reserve), better known as the WAVES (for Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service), was the women's branch of the United States Naval Reserve during World War II. It was established on July 21, 1942, by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on July 30. This authorized the U.S. Navy to accept women into the Naval Reserve as commissioned officers and at the enlisted level, effective for the duration of the war plus six months. The purpose of the law was to release officers and men for sea duty and replace them with women in shore establishments. Mildred H. McAfee, on leave as president of Wellesley College, became the first director of the WAVES. She was commissioned a lieutenant commander on August 3, 1942, and later promoted to commander and then to captain.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United States Navy Nurse Corps</span> Military unit

The United States Navy Nurse Corps was officially established by Congress in 1908; however, unofficially, women had been working as nurses aboard Navy ships and in Navy hospitals for nearly 100 years. The Corps was all-female until 1965.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United States military bands</span> Musical ensembles maintained by US uniformed services

United States military bands include musical ensembles maintained by the United States Army, United States Marine Corps, United States Navy, United States Air Force, and United States Coast Guard. More broadly, they can also include musical ensembles of other federal and state uniformed services, including the Public Health Service and NOAA Corps, the state defense forces, and the senior military colleges.

Women's Armed Services Integration Act is a United States law that enabled women to serve as permanent, regular members of the armed forces in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and the recently formed Air Force. Prior to this act, women, with the exception of nurses, served in the military only in times of war. During World War II, over 150,000 women had served in the WAVES and the Women's Auxiliary Army Corps and were still serving when the act was enacted. Women also took part in the SPARS, which was created by the Coast Guard, and the Marine Corps Women's Reserve, during the war. In total, 350,000 American women joined and served during World War II. Section 502 of the act limited service of women by excluding them from aircraft and vessels of the Navy that might engage in combat.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">SPARS</span> Womens branch of the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve during WWII

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) Women's Reserve, also known as the SPARS, was the women's branch of the United States Coast Guard Reserve. It was established by the United States Congress and signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on 23 November 1942. This law authorized the acceptance of women into the reserve as commissioned officers and at the enlisted level for the duration of World War II plus six months. Its purpose was to release officers and men for sea duty and to replace them with women at shore stations. Dorothy C. Stratton was appointed director of the SPARS with the rank of lieutenant commander and later promoted to captain.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yeoman (F)</span> Enlisted rate for women in the U.S. Naval Reserve during World War I

Yeoman (F) was an enlisted rate for women in the U.S. Naval Reserve during World War I. The first Yeoman (F) was Loretta Perfectus Walsh. At the time, the women were popularly referred to as "yeomanettes" or even "yeowomen", although the official designation was Yeoman (F).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Women in the United States Navy</span>

Many women have served in the United States Navy for over a century. As of 2020, there were 69,629 total women on active duty in the US Navy, with 11,076 serving as officers, and 58,553 enlisted. Of all the branches in the US military, the Navy has the second highest percentage of female active duty service members with women making up 20% of the US Navy in 2020.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Women in the military by country</span>

The recent history of changes in women's roles includes having women in the military. Every country in the world permits the participation of women in the military, in one form or another. In 2018, only two countries conscripted women and men on the same formal conditions: Norway and Sweden. A few other countries have laws conscripting women into their armed forces, however with some difference such as service exemptions, length of service, and more. Some countries do not have conscription, but men and women may serve on a voluntary basis under equal conditions.

This article is about the role played by women in the military in the Americas, particularly in the United States and Canada from the First World War to modern times.

This article lists events involving women in warfare and the military in the United States from 2000 until 2010. For 2011 onward, please see Timeline of women in warfare and the military in the United States from 2011–present.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">American women in World War I</span>

World War I marked the first war in which American women were allowed to enlist in the armed forces. While thousands of women did join branches of the army in an official capacity, receiving veterans status and benefits after the war's close, the majority of female involvement was done through voluntary organizations of the war effort or through becoming a nurse for the military. Additionally, women made an impact on the war indirectly by filling the workforce, becoming employed in the jobs left behind by male soldiers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">American women in World War II</span> American women participating in WW ll

American women in World War II became involved in many tasks they rarely had before; as the war involved global conflict on an unprecedented scale, the absolute urgency of mobilizing the entire population made the expansion of the role of women inevitable. Their services were recruited through a variety of methods, including posters and other print advertising, as well as popular songs. Among the most iconic images were those depicting "Rosie the Riveter", a woman factory laborer performing what was previously considered man's work.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Women in the United States Marine Corps</span>

There have been women in the United States Marine Corps since 1918, and women continue to serve in the Corps today. As of 2020, women make up 8.9% of total active duty Marines. The Marine Corps has the lowest percent of female service members of all of the U.S military branches. Women's presence in the Marine Corps first emerged in 1918 when they were permitted to do administrative work in an attempt to fill the spots of male Marines fighting overseas. It was not until 1948 that women were able to become a permanent part of the Corps with the passing of the Women's Armed Services Integration Act. However, even with the Integration Act, women were still banned from certain military occupation specialties. It was not until 2016 that Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced that all military occupations would be open to women without exception. As of 2018, there were 18 women serving in the Marine Corps combat arms. In December 2020, the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego agreed to join the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in accepting female recruits, with 60 female recruits starting their boot camp training at the San Diego depot in February 2021. 53 of these recruits would successfully graduate from boot camp in April 2021 and become Marines.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Timeline of women in warfare and the military in the United States from 2011–present</span>

This article lists events involving Women in warfare and the military in the United States since 2011. For the previous decade, see Timeline of women in warfare and the military in the United States, 2000–2010.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Highlights in the History of Military Women". Women In Military Service For America Memorial. Archived from the original on April 3, 2013. Retrieved June 22, 2013.
  2. O'Lynn, Chad E.; Tranbarger, Russell E., eds. (2006). Men in Nursing: History, Challenges, and Opportunities. New York: Springer Publishing. p. 88. ISBN   9780826103499 . Retrieved June 22, 2013.
  3. D'Amico, Francine; Weinstein, Laurie Lee, eds. (1999). Gender Camouflage: Women and the U.S. Military. New York: NYU Press. p. 23. ISBN   9780814719077 . Retrieved June 22, 2013.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 "History & Firsts". Public.navy.mil. Archived from the original on 2014-10-10. Retrieved 2014-02-12.
  5. Alzo, Lisa A. (August 2014). "Service women: discover the experiences of your female ancestors who nursed soldiers and served on the home front during World War I". Family Tree Magazine. Retrieved April 23, 2019.
  6. "Army Nurses of World War One: Service Beyond Expectations".
  7. Tendrich Frank, Lisa (2013). An Encyclopedia of American Women at War: From the Home Front to the Battlefields. Santa Barbara, Calif: Credo Reference. pp. 46–47. ISBN   978-1-785394-515.
  8. "Women in Military Service for America Memorial". Women In Military Service For America Memorial Foundation . Retrieved 2011-03-11.
  9. "Women's History Chronology". United States Coast Guard . Retrieved 2011-03-11.
  10. "Highlights in the History of Military Women". Archived from the original on 2013-04-03. Retrieved 2011-03-11.
  11. "Women in the military — international". CBC News. 30 May 2006. Archived from the original on March 28, 2013.
  12. 1 2 Malmstrom Airforce Base Archived 2011-07-22 at the Wayback Machine
  13. Sterling, Christopher H. (2008). Military Communications: From Ancient Times to the 21st Century. ABC-CLIO., p.55, ISBN   978-1-85109-732-6.
  14. "Hello Girls". U.S. Army Signal Museum. Archived from the original on 2012-03-24. Retrieved 2010-01-23.
  15. "Women in the military — international". CBC News. 30 May 2006. Archived from the original on 28 March 2013.
  16. "Women's History Chronology", Women & the U. S. Coast Guard, U.S. Coast Guard Historian's Office
  17. "Women In Military Service For America Memorial". Womensmemorial.org. 1950-07-27. Retrieved 2013-09-08.
  18. 1 2 "The Long Blue Line: A brief history of women's service in the Coast Guard « Coast Guard Compass Archive". Coastguard.dodlive.mil. Retrieved 2019-06-07.
  19. Susan H. Godson, Serving Proudly: A History of Women in the U.S. Navy (2002)
  20. Jeanne Holm, Women in the Military: An Unfinished Revolution (1993) pp 3-21
  21. 1 2 3 4 "Women's History Chronology". www.uscg.mil. Archived from the original on 5 August 2012. Retrieved 3 February 2022.
  22. "Marine Corps Reserve Association - History of the Marine Corps Reserve". Usmcra.org. Retrieved 2014-02-12.
  23. 1 2 "Milestones of Women in the US Navy". History.navy.mil. Retrieved 2014-02-12.
  24. "Women Army Corps | Women Auxiliary Army Corps". Army.mil. Archived from the original on 2014-02-16. Retrieved 2014-02-12.
  25. "Women in the U.S. Army Timeline". Army.mil. Archived from the original on 2014-02-08. Retrieved 2014-02-12.
  26. "Asian-Pacific-American Servicewomen in Defense of a Nation". Women In Military Service For America Memorial Foundation. Archived from the original on 2013-01-08. Retrieved 2013-01-07.
  27. "Meet five inspiring women Veterans - VA News". news.va.gov. November 10, 2022.
  28. Iskra, Darlene M. Women in the United States Armed Forces: A Guide to the Issues. United States, ABC-CLIO, 2010.
  29. "Phyllis Mae Dailey: First Black Navy Nurse - The National WWII Museum Blog". NWW2M.com. March 2012. Retrieved April 30, 2017.
  30. "Olivia Hooker: 1921 Tulsa race riot survivor dies aged 103 - BBC News". Bbc.com. 25 November 2018. Retrieved 2019-06-24.
  31. 1 2 3 "Women & the U. S. Coast Guard: Moments in History". United States Coast Guard. Retrieved December 18, 2011.
  32. "Highlights in the History of Military Women". Women in Military Service for America Memorial Foundation. Archived from the original on April 3, 2013. Retrieved December 18, 2011.
  33. "History & Firsts". Public.navy.mil. Archived from the original on 2014-10-10. Retrieved 2013-01-24.
  34. 1 2 "HERstory". Coast Guardswomen. 2011-01-09. Retrieved 2021-01-23.
  35. Women of the U.S. Air Force: Aiming High By Heather E. Schwartz, p.14
  36. "Esther Blake: First enlisted woman in the Air Force". www.af.mil. Archived from the original on 9 April 2013. Retrieved 3 February 2022.
  37. Ebbert, Jean; and Hall, Marie-Beth; Crossed Currents: Navy Women from WWI to Tailhook [Revised]: Brassey's; 1999.
  38. "History of the Women Marines". Women Marines Association. Archived from the original on August 12, 2009. Retrieved December 18, 2011.
  39. Sobocinski, Andre (February 24, 2014). "A Brief History of African-American Navy Nurses". Navy.Mil. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery Public Affairs. Archived from the original on 4 June 2017. Retrieved 7 April 2018.
  40. Sterner, Doris M. (1997). In and Out of Harm's Way: A history of the Navy Nurse Corps. Seattle, Washington: Peanut Butter Publishing. pp. 194. ISBN   0-89716-706-6.
  41. "In Regular Navy". Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: The Pittsburgh Courier. January 31, 1948. p. 1. Retrieved 7 April 2018 – via Newspapers.com. open access