Women had to be at least 5 feet tall and at least 95 pounds with 20/20 vision (wearing corrective glasses was okay). They were required to have three references in support of their background. They had to be native-born American and at least 18 years old with a good character. WAVES during World War II were not allowed to serve aboard combat ships or in aircraft.Īll women interested in serving in the WAVES had to adhere to several strict regulations. ![]() Their military activity was restricted only to duty in the continental US. ![]() Although, WAVES were able to serve in many fields that were once considered only for men, they still had to endure geographical restrictions. WAVES served in several atypical fields including those in the aviation community, in the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps, in the medical professions, communications, intelligence, and in science and technology. This organization allowed thousands of women to enlist and it even commissioned several hundred others to supervise. On July 30, 1942, Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) became a division of the US Navy. Women were needed in all branches of the military to assist with the war effort. In general during the heighten World War II and Vietnam War years, over 85,000 women black, white, and others from different ethnic backgrounds served as air traffic controllers, artists, bakers, couriers, cryptologists, draftsmen, hospital corpsmen, lawyers, meteorologists, and translators. This series contains photographs showcasing the achievements and contributions of women, including black women in the US Navy. The General Photographic File of the Department of Navy (NAID 558506), compiled between the years 19, documents the highlights of WAVES activity. These record groups contain textual documents, motion pictures, aerial photographs, and still pictures that relates to the administration of the United States Navy and the Marine Corps. The selected photographs on the activities of black women in the US Navy came from Record Group 80 General Records of the Department of the Navy, 1798-1947 and Record Group 428 General Records of the Department of the Navy, 1947 to the present. Left to right: Jeanne McIver, Harriet Berry, Muriel Alberti, Nancy Grant, Maleina Bagley, and Matti Ethridge.” (NAID 520646) “Pin-up girls at NAS Seattle, Spring Formal Dance. Sprinkled within the majority of the series related to WAVES activity, are a few photographs displaying black women who also served in the Navy. The records concentrate on WAVES activities in recruiting new members, in caring for wounded soldiers, and in participating in physical training. The few selected series contains photographs, moving images, and a few textual documents showcasing the experience of American women in the military during World War II. Most of the records that are held at the National Archives related to women in the US Navy, primarily focused on their involvement as WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service). ![]() Ligon, Archivist at the National Archives at College Park, Maryland
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