Yankee Doodle Girls the women who fought to keep their boys fighting

G.I. Joe goes to war America became involved in World War II (WW II) on December 8, 1941 in order to retaliate on Japan for attacking Pearl Harbor. Following the declaration of war, five million men enlisted to fight. An additional ten million were provided by the Selective Service.

Girls-This is our war, too! Soon after FDR declared war on Japan and America became involved in WWII, Americans were confronted with the problem of providing enough men and provisions where needed. The idea of having women help with the military and secretarial jobs began to dawn on several people.

Congresswoman Edith Nourse Rogers proposed the idea of forming an Army women’s corps, in hopes of freeing men in noncombatant roles for fighting positions. She met with General George C. Marshall, who agreed with her proposition. Together, they worked to gain popularity for their cause. The idea of women serving soon became very popular.

Rogers remembered the roles women had played in prior wars. For example, they had nursed, volunteered as dietitians, and worked as communications specialists. Their work had freed men for much-needed places in combat. However, the women had not been supplied with their own quarters and food. Neither were they eligible for veterans benefits after their service.

Formation of WAAC While the army had rejected the idea at first, a compromise was eventually made. The bill was signed into law on May 15, The Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) was created to work with the army, not a part of it, but as aid to the fighting men. Women were initially set to work as typists and file clerks, but by the end of the war their positions had expanded to include stenography and radio operation.