In May 1942 the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) was established “for the purpose of making available to the national defense the knowledge, skill, and special training of women of the nation.”
At first, the job opportunities were limited to desk duty. But as the war continued the WAAC transformed from an auxiliary organization to become part of the Army of the United States (AUS). Renamed the Women’s Army Corps (WAC), the Army allowed the women to serve in a wide variety of jobs, from weather forecasters, airplane mechanics to cryptographers and cryptanalysts.
Material compiled by Catharine Giordano, Stars and Stripes archivist.