WWII Women's Army Corps Enlistment and Promotion Orders Archive 1943–44

WWII U.S. Army’s mobilization of women for wartime service documents. This archive highlighting how gender and race intersected within a segregated military structure. Five pages of typed military orders documenting the enlistment and rank advancements of dozens of women into the Women's Army Corps (WAC) during World War II during a critical and unprecedented phase of American military expansion. These internal “Special Orders” were issued from U.S. Army Headquarters, one from the Southern New York Recruiting and Induction District dated 28 September 1943 (3 pages), and the other from APO 501, Services of Supply, Special Troops, dated 25 August 1944 (2 (truncated) pages). The first document—marked “RESTRICTED”—lists 161 women who have “been enlisted this date as Privates in the WAC, AUS, UP without delay for New York, N.Y. to Daytona Beach.” These orders formalize the transfer of recruits to basic training at the Second WAAC Training Center in Florida, a site where both Black and white women were trained in segregated units. Typed names include “KENNEDY, DOROTHY R.”, “RAY, RITA T.”, “ROBERTS, ROSA”, and “ROSS, GRACE”. The document also makes note that “the QMC will issue six (6) meal tickets to one hundred and sixty one (161) WACs,” revealing both the scale and logistical efforts involved in transporting and sustaining the newly enlisted women. It is signed by R.C. Burgess, 1st Lt., WAC, AUS, WAC adjutant, and includes careful routing for distribution and duplication. The second document, issued nearly a year later, reflects the internal promotion structure within the WAC. It includes detailed lists of women being promoted across multiple ranks—from Private to Private First Class, Technician Third through Fifth Grades, and up to Master Sergeant. It begins: “Upon recommendation of the Chiefs of Section… the following temporary promotions are announced in WAC Service Unit, USA SOS, APO 501.” Among those promoted: “Sgt HELEN P. SUTTON”, “T/5 HELEN E. SHROOP”, “Pvt DOROTHY R. KENNEDY” (again appearing from the earlier enlistment list), and “Sgt MARGARET H. STERLING”, named Master Sergeant. The appearance of some of these women in both documents indicates successful progression within the ranks, underscoring the opportunities for women—albeit within a racially stratified command—for advancement and formal recognition. Edges of the paper show chipping and creasing, Minor staining to the lower half of the 1944 document. All text remains fully legible. Overall very good condition. A compelling and tangible record of women’s military service during World War II. (Inventory #: 22042)