📞 The “Hello Girls” of World War I: Telephone Operators of the U.S. Army Signal Corps & Their Fight for Recognition

WW1 Photos: The "Hello Girls" Signal Corps Telephone Operators

A unique collection of photographs and other images about the women in the US Army Signal Corps and their activities, sourced from various books, periodicals, and archives. This unique collection is integral to a World War 1 Online Exhibit at the GG Archives.

First Unit of Telephone Operators Ready for France - 1918

These twenty-nine young women attached to the Signal Corps speak English and French fluently. This group includes one Chief Operator, four Supervisors, and twenty-four Operators.

Second Unit of Telephone Operators Ready for France - 1918

The second group, consisting of forty girls, sixteen trained by the New York Telephone Company, is ready to leave for France.

Third Unit of Telephone Operators Arrive in France - 1918

The third detachment of telephone operators to serve under General Pershing in France arrived safely, according to a cable from "Over There" on 9 May. As you can imagine, they are welcomed with open arms.

Fourth Unit of Telephone Operators Arrive In France - 1918

The cable "Arrived safely" is brief, to be sure, but what it means to say is, "Sixty more French-speaking American girls have arrived in France to operate war switchboards for Uncle Sam and our boys."

Fifth Unit of Telephone Operators Arrive in France - 1918

The fifth unit of American telephone operators for General Pershing's army in France sailed from an American seaport early in August. Its members are now bravely at work helping in the great cause of defeating the [Germans].

Sixth Unit of American Telephone Operators Has Arrived in France - 1918

Naturally, the new unit is inspired by the same high aims that sent the other five across to share in the fortunes of war and give to their country that they, above all others, were best fitted to provide telephone service.

Seventh Unit of Telephone Operators Demobilizes - 1919

The 7th Unit of telephone operators encountered a great disappointment. On 26 October 1918, they were preparing to embark. On 1 November, their trunks and baggage boarded the steamer SS Patria.

223 Women of the Signal Corps Telephone Operators that Served Overseas

In particular, 223 American women came from the States in six operating units. And some of these "hello girls" got right up into the midst of it, too.

Adele Hoppock and En Route to France - 1918

She was the only Western girl who started across at this time because of crowded transportation facilities. It is thought that she left on the largest transport afloat, formerly the Vaterland, which was to carry 4,000 soldiers.

The Adventures of Miss Elizabeth Horsman and Miss Helen Carey - 1918

At Paris, where I was stationed for two months, President Wilson lived just around the corner from me, and I used to see him riding about in his machine.

American “Hello Girls” in France Enjoy High Life - 1919

"Hello Girls" In France, soon on their way home, have had the times of their lives. ''Home was never like this. Gee, we live like queens," one girl from Boston writes home.

American Telephone Girls Well Cared for in France - 1918

Miss Mary A. Dingman of New York, who is active in the work of the YWCA in France interestingly describes the work of this organization in the Chicago Tribune.

American Telephone Operators Aid Victory - 1918

Picture the pride and delight experienced by the small group of six telephone operators who realized their dream when the Army sent them into the war zone to share in the stress and the glory of the St. Mihiel drive.

Application for Membership in Telephone Unit in France - 1918

Exhibit B includes some of the responses to the application question by Miss Adele Louis Hoppock. Adele completed her training and was part of the Third Unit of telephone operators to arrive in France.

Secretary of War Baker Congratulates Telephone Operators - 1918

Secretary of War, While in France, Officially Commends Work of First Unit of American Girls at War Switchboards —Letters From Some of the First to Go Over.

Bay Area Girls at Front During Great Drives - 1918

How California girls of the Bay region working as telephone operators with the American First Army in the incredible St. Mihiel drive, which threw the Germans back on Metz, helped prepare the way for the attack is told in a letter.

Berlin Girl to Go as Phone Operator - 1918

A short time ago, realizing that even though she was only a "mere woman," there was room for her to do "her bit." Miss Roby enlisted in the United States Signal Corps as a telephone operator and is currently studying hard in preparation for a trip across to France.

Birth of the AEF Signal Corps Girls - 1918

A unit of 150 telephone operators, able to speak both French and English, for immediate service in France will be formed under the direction of the Army Signal Corps.

Black Jack's Girls - 1982

Gen. John J. Pershing wanted American telephone operators in France to keep AEF communication lines open at all times; he got them and performed superbly.

Blue Triangle Follows the Switchboard - 1919

The women telephone operators of the Signal Corps have played an enviable part, not even surpassed by the work of the nurses, for in many cases, their units were located only twelve miles behind the firing line.

Brave Girl Soldiers of the Switchboard - 1918

These are just a few words along the way from some of the young women who are at the switchboards at General Pershing's headquarters on lines of communication or in Paris.

Brief History of the Signal Corps Female Telephone Operators - 1996

These women, who retained their civilian status, became members of the Signal Corps Female Telephone Operators Unit. They are perhaps better known as the "Hello Girls."

Chicago Telephone Girls Heroines “Over There” - 1918

American telephone girls on duty here have won the admiration of the whole American army. They remained at their posts in burning wooden barracks in the Moselle region until they were ordered to quit.

The Christmas Party at Camp Upton - 1919

As if by magic, we were drawn into the comfortable living room. Everything, from the tree burning in all its glory and wealth of light and tinsel to the inviting easy chairs, breathed a welcome and sincere "peace on earth" to all who entered.

Congressman Cleaver Introduces Bill to Award Congressional Gold Medal to the ‘Hello Girls’ of WWI

Today, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (D-MO) introduced HR 1953, the "Hello Girls" Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2019.

Company of Switchboard Soldiers See Service in France - 1918

Misses Kathleen Mitchell, Albertine Aarrents, Mary Marshall, and Emelia Lumpert, the four representatives of the Mountain States Company who will serve with the American Signal Corps in France, will wear the emblem of our Courtesy Club.

Facts Surrounding the Enlistment and Service of the Signal Corps Telephone Operators - 1977

The following has been edited for clarity and brevity whenever possible. After reading this, the facts remain. One should be able to form an opinion about whether the "Hello Girls" were classified correctly as civilians or reclassified as Army enlisted personnel.

First American Telephone Girls in France - 1918

When the first group of American women telephone operators arrived in Paris in March, they found, awaiting them, comfortable living quarters made ready by the YWCA.

First Washington Girl Arrives in French Territory - 1918

Several brief articles from 1918, courtesy of the University of Washington Daily and The Seattle Times, capture the adventures of Miss Adele L. Hoppock, Miss Eleanor Hoppock, and fellow student Miss Helen Hill in France.

For the Wire Men and Girls in France - 1918

Organizations Helping on the Fight by Backing Up the Fighters Both in the Front Lines and Behind Them—All Are Backed by the Home Organizations Which Home People Support—Contribute Early!

Four of The Michigan Telephone Company’s “Returned Soldiers” - 1919

Miss Norma B. Finch, Miss Elizabeth Shovar, Miss Faye K. Honey, and Miss Louise M Wilcox, the Michigan State Telephone Company employees, have just returned from serving as telephone operators in France.

General Squier in Charge of Aviation and Signal Corps - 1918

On 14 February 1917, he was appointed Chief Signal Officer in charge of aviation and the Signal Corps, with the rank of Brigadier General. He was promoted to the rank of Major General on 6 October 1917.

Miss Helen Carey, Telephone Operator Off for France - 1918

Miss Helen Carey, supervisor, Toll office, who has been with the Chicago Telephone Company for seven years, has volunteered for telephone service with the American Expeditionary Force in France.

“Hello-Girls” Are Going “Over There” To Help Link Up the Army’s Nerve-Fibers - 1918

A little group of young women has responded to the call of General Pershing. They are going "over there" to become a fundamental part of the Expeditionary Force in France.

Hello Girls of World War I

In America, women primarily made up the workforce of civilian telephone operators. Nearly 10,000 women applied to fill Pershing's request. Those accepted into the program underwent a challenging selection process and agreed to serve for the war duration.

"Hello" Heroines - Telephone Operators of the Great War Era - 1920

While this story focuses on the Heroines among the telephone operators during World War 1, the report covers events at home and in France, where the "Hello Girls" were often stationed close to the fighting line.

Hello—Over There! - Our Telephone Girls Take On Paris - 1918

American telephone girls reign in the royal state in France. They are adored by the French and worshipped by the Americans, yet they are not spoiled.

How the Signal Corps Girls Stayed on the Job - 1919

Why Miss Grace D. Banker, who has just returned from overseas to her home in Passaic, was personally decorated by Lt. Gen. Hunter Liggett with the Distinguished Service Medal.

How the Signal Corps Organized 100 Girls - 1918

The group of 100 is composed mainly of French girls who have come to America or American girls who have lived in France. The unit was sent in 3 groups of about 30 each.

How the Telephone Girls Performed in France - 1919

The first appeal for volunteers was made in January 1918. By February, the first Unit, composed of 33 girls, had been organized, equipped, and trained in the rudiments of the telephone work and embarked for France.

HR 1953-Hello Girls Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2019

A BILL: To award a Congressional Gold Medal to the female Army Signal Corps telephone operators, known as the "Hello Girls.''

I Was a “Hello Girl” - 1977

Someone asked me about my work "overseas," in a second, it was the first week in March 1918, and I was back in a house on River Street, Hoboken. Thirty-three Signal Corps girls were there awaiting orders to sail for France.

Impressions of the A. E. F. by Signal Corps Operator O'Rourke - 1919

For several weeks I felt myself a misfit, even in the bosom of my devoted family, and that is how fifteen months of army life affected my previous years of undisturbed tranquillity as a civilian.

Information Relative to Telephone Operators for Duty in France - 1918

The telephone unit comprises young women who are physically fit and who speak French and English languages fluently. It is preferred that these young ladies have had experience in telephone switchboard operation.

A Letter from a Fifth Unit Telephone Operator - 1918

Miss Anita Chance of Denver has received a long and interesting letter. She is one of our representatives with the Fifth Unit. She writes from Tours, under the date of 27 September 1918.

Letter from Adele Hoppock Mills to Senator Vandenburg - 1935

This Bill will grant military status to 200 American women. I served in the Army in France as a telephone operator at the principal exchanges.

Letter from "Hello Girl" Miss Adele Hoppock - 1918

Miss Adele Hoppock was a member of the third group of operators selected by our Company for service in France. She left San Francisco on April 9 and sailed early in May 1918.

Letter from Major Coles to Washington State Bonus Board - 1921

While it was not practical to commission or enlist them because they were females, these young ladies were nevertheless by their oaths and the rules and regulations for the conduct of armies in the field.

Letter Home from Signal Corps Telephone Operator in France - 1918

The following letter will give us all the cheerful conviction that the young lady's spirits are still high and bubbling. We trust she can now sprint with the old-time velocity and has joined her compatriots on the big job in France.

Life of Our Telephone Operators in France - 1919

Neither Miss Lydia Erickson nor Miss Mabel Lapp is the sort of people one would expect to break into song, but the smiles on their lips and the light that comes to their eyes when they tell of their experiences overseas.

Long Distance Operators Off for France - 1918

They are members of one of the first "L. D." units to go. Because of their "L. D." and other qualifications, the requirement that they could speak French was waived.

Military Funeral of Telephone Operator Cora Bartlett - 1919

According to word received today, Miss Cora Bartlett, formerly a senior supervisor of the toll exchange in the Battle Creek Office of the Michigan State Telephone Company, died in France.

Miss Banker Wins the D. S. M. For Bravery - 1919

From exceedingly meritorious and distinguished service and untiring devotion to her exacting duties under trying conditions, she did much to assure the success of the phone system during the operations against the St. Mihiel salient and north of Verdun.

More Operators for France - 1918

These young women have, of course, entered this service purely voluntarily, all being extremely anxious to go "Over There" where they can give their country even more valuable service.

Number Please, AEF - Telephone Operators in France - 1921

A veritable tidal wave of excitement swept across every telephone switchboard, from Maine to California, when General Pershing's 8 November 1917 cable called for creating a Woman's Telephone Operating Unit was announced from Washington.

Phone Girls Living High - 1918

Unit in France Has Every Luxury. Their living quarters are not in some "ordinary" hotel but more often in some beautiful chateau on one of France's picturesque rivers.

Photo Plates - Signal Corps Telephone Operating Unit - 1919

Attached is a record of Photo Plates on a file of members of the Signal Corps Telephone Operating Unit, with the names of those in each picture and a description of the image.

Recognition of the "Hello Girls" for VA Benefits - 1977

Mr. Durkin. Mr. President, almost 60 years ago, a group of 223 women served In "Telephone Operating Units" of the Army Signal Corps in France during and after World War I.

Section 401(a) of Title IV of the G.I. Bill Improvement Act of 1977

Since 1977, 64 groups have applied for "active military service" under section 401. Of these applicants, fourteen groups have been approved.

Signal Corps Girls Brave Dangers - 1919

Signal Corps Telephone units were often only twelve miles behind the firing line. They were subjected to all the dangers of those within range of the sweeping Teuton guns.

Signal Corps Girls Have Jolly Times - 1918

The parties were YWCA parties, and despite the "no party" clause in signal corps recruiting literature, the recreation proved such a benefit to the workers that signal corps authorities highly commended them.

The Signal Corps Girls “Made Good" - 1919

The Signal Corps Girls of the American Army have been awarded many honors, and to them, have been given the credit of an unparalleled service that had its cultivation in helping to win the great war.

The Signal Corps in Germany’s Oldest City - 1919

Miss Marjorie Persons, Y. W. C. A. representative, is the director of the house. The YWCA is officially in charge of the billeting of the Signal Corps units with the A. E. F.

Signal Corps Telephone Operator Girls Did It - 1918

Six American Signal Corps girls made the St. Mihiel advance a perfect success, thus hastening peace. It was the American YWCA that made it all possible.

Six American Telephone Operators Near the Front - 1918

The most thrilling news in recent correspondence from American girls who have gone to France to operate the telephone system for General Pershing is that six of them have been sent forward into the "zone of advance."

Switchboard Soldiers of the Great War

Because of the great difficulty of obtaining suitably qualified men, request organization and dispatch a force of women telephone operators to France, all speaking French and English equally well - General Pershing.

Telephone Girls “At Home” in France - 1918

The American telephone girl of the Signal Corps solved the problem. Her arrival in France and her place at the switchboard straightened matters out wonderfully.

Telephone Girls in the Heart of a Military Camp - 1918

Telephone girls in the heart of a military camp. Housewarming as operators serving Uncle Sam occupies a home provided at Camp Upton. The Telephone Review attends.

The Telephone Girls of Meuse-Argonne - 1921

Immediately following the move of First Army Headquarters from Ligny, near St. Mihiel, to Souilly, near Verdun, the six girls who had handled the lines of communication at the Ligny board.

The Telephone Girls of St. Mihiel - 1921

The story of what these girls did during that exciting period when the enemy was being squeezed out of the St. Mihiel salient by the mighty pincers of the First American Army.

The Telephone Girls of the Peace Conference - 1921

When I was chosen to take charge of the President's switchboard at the Murat Mansion, I felt I had reached the pinnacle of accomplishment. We were set up in our office there and began a hurried preparation for the President.

Telephone Girls to “Hold the Lines" in France - 1918

The Chicago Telephone Company is training the Chicago girls. Their school facilities have been placed at the disposal of the government.

A Telephone Operator's Experiences with the Signal Corps - 1918

Miss Zada Freelove Black, formerly chief telephone operator of the Brush exchange, writes the Brush office of her experiences with Signal Corps, Women's Telephone Unit, A. E. F., on her way to France and her arrival.

Telephone Operators Insured - 1918

An amendment to the War Risk Insurance Act now before Congress, which provides for proper war insurance for telephone operators, has received the hearty endorsement of the War Work Council of the National YWCA.

Telephone Operators Join Our Army - 1918

General Pershing Wants Volunteers to Operate American Telephone System in France —Must Be Bi-linguists — Other Qualifications Necessary —Telephone Companies Selecting and Training Applicants.

Telephone Operators of the AEF -- Roll of Honor - 1919

The New England T&T Company expresses its appreciation for the patriotic effort of the young women telephone operators who trained under its direction for service with the American Expeditionary Forces.

Telephone Operators Welcomed to Paris - 1918

When the first group of American women telephone operators arrived in Paris in March, they found awaiting them comfortable living quarters which had been made ready for them.

The Christmas Party at Camp Upton - 1919

As if by magic, we were drawn into the comfortable living room. Everything, from the tree burning in all its glory and wealth of light and tinsel to the inviting easy chairs, breathed a welcome and sincere "peace on earth" to all who entered.

The Experience of Isabelle Villiers, Yeoman (f) Turned Hello Girl Supervisor - 2015

Isabelle was assigned as a supervisor to posts in Paris and Tours, France. She completed her duty on April 21, 1919, and returned to Reading, Massachusetts.

Three More Michigan Girls For “Over There” - 1918

Three more young women of the Michigan State Telephone Company have entered the Woman’s Telephone Unit for service in France.

Tribute to American Telephone Operators in France - 1919

Bringing women telephone operators to France for service with the American Expeditionary Forces had no precedent. For this reason, the experiment was watched with unusual interest.

Tribute to US Army Signal Corps Chief Telephone Operator 1887-1918

Death came to Inez Ann Murphy Crittenden on the morning the armistice was signed to a California woman who had done noble and brilliant work in France in the service of her country.

U. S. Signal Corps Unit at Headquarters - 1918

While the twenty-eight girls who comprise the unit await their sailing orders, they are billeted in the National Training School of the YWCA, next door to the national board offices on Lexington Avenue, New York City.

War Hello Girls Talking - We Win! -1918

If Message of Victory Could Be Telephoned from France. Signal Service Operators Training Here for Service Overseas Would Plug in Capitol City in Record Time—Girl Brigade Awaiting Call to Help Pershing's Army.

What New England Hello Girls Are Doing "Over There" - 1918

The last contingent of girls to go across were not all French linguists. There were 75 In all, of which number 14 were from New England.

With an American Telephone Girl in France - 1919

My great joy can be imagined when I was told I was one of the seven to go to Neufchateau Vosges to open the office. We stopped in Chaumont long enough to get our chief operator and supervisor, and then we were off.

Women's Telephone Unit in France - 1918

How the Signal Corps Organized a Unit of 100 Women Who Speak Both English and French, As Army Telephone Operators in France—Rigid Tests Prescribed for the Applicants—What the Training Before Sailing Included.

Woman Telephone Operators in France - 1920

The Army decided to use female telephone operators in France for two reasons. The first of these was the unquestioned superiority of women as telephone switchboard operators.

Young Women of America, Attention! - 1918

Here's an opportunity to serve your country in France with General Pershing's Expeditionary Force—a chance to do as much to help win the war as the men in khaki who go "over the top."

Young Women Train for Telephone Service in France - 1918

This "finishing course" is being given at a nearby Suburban office of the Chicago Telephone Company, where the conditions are presumed to be somewhat similar to those encountered in their future service abroad.

YWCA Dances Relieve Stress For Signal Corps Girls - 1918

The parties were YWCA parties, and despite the "no party" clause in Signal Corps recruiting literature, the recreation proved such a benefit to the workers that Signal Corps authorities highly commended it.

Affidavit of Alma H. Hawkins - 1977

Alma H. Hawkins was a Signal Corps telephone operator assigned to Unit 4. Her affidavit was used in support before Congress for the "Hello Girls" to obtain VA Benefits in hearings in 1977.

Affidavit of Edward Mervin Stannard - 1953

During World War 1, Edward Mervin Stannard served as the Chief Signal Officer, A.E.F. staff as Director of Telephone operation and operation engineering, and Director of Telephone and Telegraph services.

Affidavit of Enid M. Pooley - 1977

Mrs. Enid M. Pooley, Miss Enid A. Mack in 1918, was a part of Unit 7 of the Signal Corps Telephone Operators Group, commonly called the "Hello Girls." She was discharged in December 1918 from the army after the war ended before going overseas.

Affidavit of Gertrude Hoppock - 1977

In 1917-1918 My Two Sisters, Adele and Eleanor, Were Students at the University of Washington and Fluent in French and English. They Became Telephone Operators in the Signal Corps. Adele Served in the Third Unit, and Eleanor in the Fourth Unit.

Affidavit of Helen Bixby Moore - 1977

Before going to France, I stayed at the Prince George's Hotel in New York City for a few weeks while being sworn into the Army and getting the necessary supplies and clothing.

Affidavit of Louise Le Breton Maxwell - 1977

The First Unit, composed of 33 young women, received orders on 23 February 1918 to proceed to Hoboken, N.J. whore we awaited transportation to France. We were billeted in a former bar, 33 army cots alongside each other.

Affidavit of Louise Le Breton Maxwell - 1977

The First Unit, composed of 33 young women, received orders on 23 February 1918 to proceed to Hoboken, N.J. whore we awaited transportation to France. We were billeted in a former bar, 33 army cots alongside each other.

Affidavit of Marjorie L. McKillop - 1977

Marjorie Leslie McKillop served in Unit 4 of the Signal Corps Telephone Operators. She was ordered with six other operators to Le Havre, where she was stationed until the Armistice.

Affidavit of Merle Egan Anderson - 1977

Before sailing for France, we gathered in a room at Bell Telephone Company headquarters in New York City. We were sworn into Army service by Mr. Darling of the telephone company.

Affidavit of M. Olive Shaw - 1977

In March 1918, I arrived in France. I received orders, a copy of which is attached to this Affidavit, to proceed to the port of embarkation, the first step to France.

Affidavit of Oleda Joure Christides - 1977

About seven days after leaving Hoboken, we arrived in Southampton, England. Because a flu epidemic developed on the voyage, we were quarantined on the ship for several days and were not permitted to go onshore.