Beyond Rosie: Women in World War II - Kennesaw State University

Beyond Rosie: Women in World War II
Two
Overview:
Time Required 1 – 2 Class Periods
Military Auxiliary Services
More than 1.5 million women assisted the Allies during World War II. As radio operators,
mechanics, and ordnance specialists, women served with distinction. Although male superiors
often doubted the effectiveness of their new recruits, by the end of the war the performance
and skill of these women was celebrated in popular culture and by military leaders,
including general Dwight D. Eisenhower.
By joining organizations such as the Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps (WAAC, later the
WAC) and the Women’s Air Force Service Pilots (WASPS) more than 350,000 American
women proved their effectiveness in the male dominated military. In 1948, President Harry
Truman signed the Women’s Armed Service Integration Act, opening the door for women
to serve full-time in the Armed Forces, though not in active combat roles.
Teacher’s Guide
ANC
OSS
SPARS
WAC
WAFS
WASP
WAVES
U.S. Women’s Service Branches
Army Nurses Corps
Office of Strategic Services
Semper Paratus Always Ready (Coast Guard)
Women’s Army Corps (previously WAAC)
Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron
Women’s Air Force Service Pilots
Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Services
PAGE 17
Learning Objectives:
• Analyze the role that women in played in the United States Armed forces during
World War II.
• Compare and contrast the different ways that women were involved in armed forces
in different countries during the War.
• Use primary sources to learn about women’s experiences of the military auxiliary
services.
Materials needed:
Pens/pencils, paper, computer with Internet access, projector