Service women to be saluted Females played a key role during WW II




Service women to be saluted
Females played a key role during WW II


Veterans of World War II will be the focus of the "Celebrate Freedom!" event scheduled for Nov. 8 through 22 in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. This salute to American military veterans will include several symposiums including a special presentation about women who served during World War II.


While their efforts often are overlooked, women were a major force during World War II, both in numbers and contributions. Known as the WACs, WAVES, SPARs, and WASPs, more than 250,000 American women served during World War II.


Established in 1941, members of the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps initially served mostly as file clerks, typists, stenographers or motor pool drivers, but eventually were assigned as weather observers and forecasters, cryptographers, radio operators and repairmen, aerial photographers and control tower operators.


Converted into the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) in 1943, the first battalion of WACS arrived in London in 1943 and assisted in the planning of D-Day and subsequent operations leading to the defeat of Germany.


The Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) of World War II were the first licensed women pilots in the U.S. to fly military planes for military service.


Formed in 1943, WASPS flew every type of aircraft the Air Force owned. They ferried personnel, hauled cargo and test-flew planes. In less than two years, WASPs flew more than 60 million miles for their country, flying every kind of mission except combat.


WAVES, Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service, was established in 1942 and served both the Navy and Marine Corps. The majority of Navy WAVES were assigned to administrative duties including processing paperwork for top secret projects such as the D-Day invasion of Normandy, the development of the atomic bomb and the deciphering of coded messages


The U.S. Coast Guard Women’s Reserve was also established in 1942. Known as SPAR’s for the Coast Guard motto Semper Paratus (Always Ready), the women performed clerical duties but also served as air control tower operators among other jobs.


For more information about this special event remembering and honoring all U.S. military veterans, including the thousands of women, please call (800) 365-6993.



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