05/20/2026
Happy 84th Birthday to the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC)! 🇺🇸
In the wake of Pearl Harbor, America called, and women answered.
On May 15, 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed legislation creating the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps, opening new opportunities for women to serve their Nation during World War II. More than 35,000 women volunteered to join the WAAC, stepping forward to serve in clerical, medical, transportation, communications, food service, and countless other critical roles that helped strengthen the war effort and free men for combat overseas.
These trailblazing women trained at places like Fort Des Moines, Iowa, often facing limited resources and challenging conditions, yet they persevered with determination, patriotism, and pride. Their service helped pave the way for generations of women in the US Army.
In July 1943, the “Auxiliary” designation was dropped, and the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) officially became part of the US Army, granting women full military status, rank, privileges, and benefits.
We honor the courage, sacrifice, and groundbreaking legacy of the women of the WAAC and WAC, pioneers whose service forever changed our military and our Nation.
Did you or someone you know serve in the WAAC or WAC? Share your/her story in the comments and help ensure her legacy of service is preserved at the Military Women’s Memorial.
Register your/her story of service at the Military Women's Memorial today:
https://womensmemorial.org/make-herstory/
Honor Her Service. Remember Her Legacy.
