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National Air and Space Museum Archives
Women's Army Corps (WAC) Photography
Summary
- Collection ID:
- NASM.2022.0004
- Dates:
-
1942-05-161940s
- Languages:
-
English.
- Physical Description:
-
.05 Cubic feet1 folder
- Repository:
King George VI of Great Britain and Queen Elizabeth with American General James H. "Jimmy" Doolittle of the Eighth Air Force visited the billet and post exchange at the headquarters in London, England on May 16, 1945 for the third anniversary of the US Women's Army Corps (WAC).
Scope and Contents
Scope and Contents
This collection consists of seven photographs relating to King George VI and Queen Elizabeth's inspection of the US Women's Army Corps (WAC) assigned to the Eighth Air Force at the US Strategic and Tactical Air Forces in Europe. Visiting their Headquarters in London on May 16, 1945, they were joined by American General Jimmy Doolittle to celebrate the WAC's third anniversary.
In May 2024, the donor sent an additional 31 black and white photographs of various sizes relating to the Women's Army Corps (WAC). Some of the prints are duplicates. Included in these photographs are additional views pertaining to King George VI and Queen Elizabeth's inspection visit, a portrait of Jimmy Doolittle, personnel, an air-to-air view of an aircraft in flight, aircraft on the ground, and facilities. Some of the photos are marked on the reverse indicating they were printed at Base Headquarters, Patterson Field and with a note, "Please credit official AAF Fairfield AR Service Command Photo." Note: these additional photographs have not been scanned.
Biographical / Historical
Biographical / Historical
The Women's Army Corps (WAC) was a US Army unit created during World War II to enable women to serve in noncombat positions. It was first established as the Women's Auxiliary Army Corps (WAAC) on May 15, 1942 but dropped "Auxiliary" when it gained active-duty status on July 1, 1943. Women who served often held clerical jobs such as file clerk, stenographer, and switchboard operator, but also nontraditional roles such as radio operator, mechanic, and cryptologist. During World War II, about half of the WAC personnel were sent overseas to serve in Europe. Some of the first assignments were with the Eighth Air Force at the US Strategic and Tactical Air Forces. The WAC continued operations through the Vietnam War until 1978 when all female and male units were integrated.
Administration
Author
Amara Pugens
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Laura Lavine, Gift, 2022, NASM.2022.0004. Additional material added in 2024.
Processing Information
Arranged, described, and encoded by Amara Pugens, 2022. Updated by Jessamyn Lloyd, 2024.
Digital Content
Using the Collection
Conditions Governing Use
Material is subject to Smithsonian Terms of Use. Should you wish to use NASM material in any medium, please submit an Application for Permission to Reproduce NASM Material, available at Permissions Requests.
Conditions Governing Access
No restrictions on access
Preferred Citation
Women's Army Corps Photography, NASM.2022.0004, National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution.
Keywords
| Keyword Terms | Keyword Types | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Aeronautics | Topical | Search Smithsonian Collections | Search ArchiveGrid |
| Doolittle, James Harold, 1896-1993 | Personal Name | Search Smithsonian Collections | Search ArchiveGrid |
| Elizabeth, Queen, consort of George VI, King of Great Britain, 1900-2002 | Personal Name | Search Smithsonian Collections | Search ArchiveGrid |
| George VI, King of Great Britain, 1895-1952 | Personal Name | Search Smithsonian Collections | Search ArchiveGrid |
| United States. Army. Women's Army Auxiliary Corps | Corporate Name | Search Smithsonian Collections | Search ArchiveGrid |
National Air and Space Museum Archives
14390 Air & Space Museum Parkway
Chantilly, VA 20151
Business Number: Phone: 703-572-4045
NASMRefDesk@si.edu
