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Josephine Suter Kronfield WAVE Scrapbook - MMS 364

Introduction

Although women had served ably during World War I, mostly as clerical staff, legislation passed after the war had prohibited women from joining the military. With the coming of the Second World War, it was clear that women's skills were needed again. In July 1942, President Roosevelt signed the law allowing an expanding role for women in the Navy. Still, public response was uncertain. Even their name, WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service), suggested that their status was temporary. However, recruiting began in earnest and a year later some 27,000 women were serving in the Navy. By war's end, more than 8,000 female officers and over 75,000 enlisted WAVES had served their country well; this workforce made up only about 2 1/2 percent of the Navy's total strength during that conflict.

Josephine Suter of Toledo was among the early volunteers, enlisting October 20, 1942. She went on active duty January 22, 1943 and was honorably discharged September 29, 1945. During her service, she kept a scrapbook of her experiences which give us a glimpse of the women's role in the defense of the nation. Thumbnail views are presented here, and selected highlights can be seen in the August 2005 Archival Chronicle Gallery.

The WAVES served in a far wider range of occupations than they had in the past. While traditional clerical jobs made up the largest proportion of women's duties, thousands performed previously atypical duties in the aviation community, Judge Advocate General Corps, medical professions, communications, intelligence, science and technology.

Inventory

Item

  1. Scrapbook, 1942-1945
  2. Correspondence, 1942-1945
  3. Diary, June 8-July 20, 1943
  4. Discharge papers and related material, 1945
  5. 3 Star service flag, representing family members in service
  6. "Long May She Wave" booklet, 1943
  7. "Ruptured Duck" emblem worn on uniform after discharge, 1945

Thumbnail views of scrapbook, collection material

WAVES RatingWAVES BookletWWII Service flagWWII Service insigniaPortrait of Josephine SuterPortrait of Josephine Suter & brother ByronScrapbook page 1Scrapbook page 2
Portrait of Josephine Suter in uniformScrapbook page 4Scrapbook page 5Scrapbook page 6 Norman Oklahoma company in reviewScrapbook page 7 classroomScrapbook page 8 orientationScrapbook page 9 clipping on women rivetingScrapbook page 10 inspecting work
Scrapbook page 10 Jo Suter at workScrapbook page 12 snapshotScrapbook page 13 workclothesScrapbook page 13 unit in uniformScrapbook page 14 certificateScrapbook page 15 prayerScrapbook page 17 Toledo ClippingsScrapbook page 18 writing letters
Scrapbook page 19 Jo at workScrapbook page 20 Jo at office workScrapbook page 21 chow lineScrapbook page 22 w/ Coca-ColasScrapbook page 23 in bathing suitScrapbook page 24 snapshotsScrapbook page 25 joke clippingScrapbook page 26 woman in uniform
Scrapbook page 27 transportScrapbook page 28 moving inScrapbook page 29 mess hallScrapbook page 30 snapshopts w/ friendsScrapbook page 31 social timeScrapbook page 32 entertainmentScrapbook page 33 entertainment Scrapbook page 34 entertainment
Scrapbook page 35 cartoonScrapbook page 36 clippingsScrapbook page 37 snapshotsScrapbook page 38 Jo in flight jacketScrapbook page 39 w/ civilian friendsScrapbook page 40 small snapshotsScrapbook page 41 small snapshots 2Scrapbook page 42 small snapshots 3
Scrapbook page 43 civilian friendsScrapbook page 44 friends w/ boatScrapbook page 45 on the beachScrapbook page 46 dancingScrapbook page 47 clipsScrapbook page 47 clipsScrapbook page 48 portrait of servicemanScrapbook page 50 friends
Scrapbook page 51 friendsScrapbook page 52 friendsScrapbook page 53 friends Scrapbook page 54 friends on boatScrapbook page 55 postcardsScrapbook page 56 swimming suitsScrapbook page 57 childrenScrapbook page 58 servicemen
Scrapbook page 59 Florida sightsScrapbook page 60 Washington sightsScrapbook page 61 poetry clippingsScrapbook page 62 back in civvies

U. S. in Wartime | Women's Studies Collections, Pt. 2