US Naval Women's Reserve - The WAVES

Women Accepted for Vounteer Emergency Service or WAVES was part of the United States Naval Reserve during World War II. Established by Congress in July 1942, it authorized the US Navy to accept women into the Naval Reserve as commissioned officers or enlisted personnel.

The GG Archives collection includes books, brochures, and other ephemera on or about the WAVES and women serving in the United States Navy from World War II onwards.

The WAVES’ New Uniforms - A Historical Look at Women’s Service in WWII (1942)

This article, The WAVES’ New Uniforms, provides a fascinating glimpse into the early 1940s military culture, showcasing the uniforms of the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES). The article is rich in historical and cultural significance, making it a valuable resource for historians and researchers studying women’s contributions to the U.S. Navy during World War II. It is also a key resource for educators in military history, social studies, or gender studies, offering an opportunity to examine the role of women in the military and how their integration was reflected in both clothing and societal perceptions.

For genealogists, this article offers valuable context for anyone researching female ancestors who may have served in the WAVES during World War II. It provides detailed descriptions of uniforms, rank insignia, and how women's military service was presented at the time, adding a layer of understanding for those tracing the experiences of their relatives in the U.S. Navy.

Facts About The WAVES and SPARS - Women’s Vital Role in WWII Military Support (1943)

The brochure Facts About The WAVES and SPARS (1943) offers a detailed overview of the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) and the Coast Guard Women's Reserve (SPARS) during World War II. This pamphlet is a crucial resource for historians studying the role of women in the military, as it outlines how these organizations were created to free up male personnel for combat roles by allowing women to take over essential positions at shore stations.

For teachers, this brochure serves as an informative and engaging resource for discussions on gender roles in the military during the war, highlighting how women’s contributions were formalized and expanded. This is also an excellent piece for students studying U.S. military history and World War II, as it emphasizes the significance of these units in supporting the war effort.

For genealogists, the document can provide helpful context for understanding the type of roles women played in the military, which could aid in tracing family members who served in the WAVES or SPARS.

How to Serve Your Country in WAVES or SPARS - A Women’s Role in WWII Military Support (1943)

The pamphlet How to Serve Your Country in the WAVES or SPARS from January 1943 offers an insightful view into the role of women in the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard during World War II. It serves as a vital historical document for historians, genealogists, and educators studying the war effort from the perspective of women’s contributions to the military. This brochure helps illuminate the opportunities available to women who joined the WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) and SPARS (Coast Guard Women’s Reserve), showcasing their importance in maintaining the U.S. military’s operational effectiveness during the war.

For teachers and students, this brochure provides an excellent teaching tool to discuss gender roles, military history, and the Homefront efforts during World War II. Genealogists may find this particularly helpful when researching female ancestors who served in these pivotal military roles, and it serves as a historical snapshot of the type of service women could pursue.

Photo Postcard of the Telephone Center at the Us Naval Training School (WR) in Bronx, New York. Postally Used 7 December 1943. Card Printed Courtesy of New York Telephone Company. GGA Image ID # 15f9257ce7

WAVES: Women of the U.S. Navy – A Tribute to Their Service and Contribution (1944)

The recruitment brochure, The Story of You in Navy Blue, offers an insightful and compelling look into the role of Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) during World War II. It provides vital historical context, especially for historians and genealogists researching women’s roles in military history, and students studying the evolution of gender in the military. This document emphasizes the significant contributions of women in non-combat roles during wartime, supporting the Navy's operations and freeing men for combat duties.

For teachers, it serves as a unique teaching tool that highlights the diverse opportunities for women in the military during a time of national crisis, providing a snapshot of the social and economic conditions of the period. The brochure is also invaluable for genealogists tracing the military service of female ancestors, as it offers specific details on ranks, uniforms, and the scope of work that WAVES were involved in.

Wave Quarters D: Life and Legacy of the WAVES in Washington, DC (1945)

This 1945 brochure offers a unique historical snapshot of the daily life and activities of women in the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) at Wave Quarters D, Washington, D.C. For historians and genealogists, this resource provides invaluable insights into the living conditions and responsibilities of women in the U.S. Navy during World War II. The brochure highlights not only the recreational activities but also the vital roles played by WAVES in supporting the war effort.

For teachers and students, it offers a window into the social history of wartime America, particularly for female service members. It is a fascinating example of the ways women balanced military duty with personal and professional development. It is also highly useful for those researching the evolution of women's military roles, as it highlights the growth of the WAVES and the structured, supportive environment that was created for them during the war.

WAVES: A Guide to Separation and Transition (1945)

This 1945 separation pamphlet serves as a critical resource for anyone researching the post-service life of women who served in the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) during World War II. It provides a comprehensive guide on the separation process for WAVES, addressing both the administrative and personal steps required for their transition from military service back to civilian life. For historians and genealogists, it offers valuable insight into the veterans' benefits available to women after their military service and outlines the post-service support network they could rely on.

For teachers and students, the pamphlet helps understand the roles of women in the Navy during the war, emphasizing their contributions and the efforts to reinstate them into civilian roles with dignity and respect. It also provides a glimpse into the military-to-civilian transition process, which is often overlooked in discussions about the post-war period. Additionally, the pamphlet could be an essential tool for understanding the veterans' benefits and rights that women in the WAVES had access to, alongside their service records and reduced benefits based on their service status.

Navy WAVES on Navy Pier Bus - 1944. Library of Congress # 153723431. GGA Image ID # 141c09fd96

U. S. Naval Institute Proceedings, Volume 100/9/859, October 1974. The first woman in any of the armed services to be commissioned a Chaplain, Lieutenant Florence Pohlman, USN, is portrayed in this painting by Margaret Holland Sargent, for the Navy's Combat Art Center in Washington, DC. GGA Image ID # 1d1313087e