World War 2 Essay, Research Paper

Not all of the thousands of women who participated in WWII were in the U.S.

military. Women Salvation Army Soldiers were overseas providingceverything from

doughnuts to nursing skills. The USO sent performers to all of the military theaters

and several actresses, singers and dancers logged countless hours entertaining the

troops.

The Red Cross women provided support for the military in arranging emergency

leaves, as well as with their field canteens. Women volunteers served countless hours

at YMCAs all over helping servicemen and servicewomen in many areas. The Cadet

Nurse Corps trained young student nurses for active duty with the military. The

American Legion Auxiliary women visited veterans hospitals doing everything from

rolling bandages to distributing gifts, cards, stationery, and playing cards.

WASPs ?Women Airforce Service Pilots? were not known for their line of

duties. The thirty-eight women who died in the line of duty were buried without

military honors. WASPs did not enjoy the privileges of other veterans after the war

ended, even though they flew military aircraft. Benefits such as the G.I. Bill to pay

for schooling, low interest housing loans or VA benefits.

This recognition finally came in for the WASPs in 1977 when Congress declared

the WASPs were indeed veterans of World War II. Official military acceptance came

from the Air Force in 1979. In 1984, each WASP was awarded the Victory Medal.

Those who served for more than one year were also awarded the American Theater

medal.

Every one of the millions of women who became the main stay of war production

by working in the shipyards, the aircraft factories, and office buildings nationwide.

Without the woman help in the factories and offices, there would not have been the

all out production that maintained the world war 2 effort.