U.S. Servicewomen Overcame Prejudice During WWII: Insights from the WWII Museum

The 80th anniversaries of significant World War II battles are currently being commemorated, bringing attention to the valor displayed at Pointe du Hoc, Bastogne, and Iwo Jima. Alongside this, a special exhibit at the National WWII Museum is honoring the approximately 350,000 women who also served during the war.

The stories shared within the museum exhibit are both poignant and inspiring. Women in World War II confronted societal biases of the era as they contributed to the fight against the Axis powers, serving in various roles such as administrative duties, healthcare, and as part of naval and air forces. Their contributions not only impacted the military landscape but also brought about significant changes in society and their own lives.

Entitled “Our War Too: Women in Service,” the exhibit, which debuted on Veterans Day 2023, showcases uniforms representing the different branches where American women served, such as WAC, WAVES, and WASP. Each uniform is accompanied by a description of the branch’s responsibilities along with the service history of the woman who wore it.

Central to the exhibit are around 200 images and objects that narrate the experiences of women during the war. These items are presented in traditional gallery cases and facsimile trunks positioned on the gallery floor, mirroring the storage methods familiar to service members and the preservation of objects in attics and basements over the years. Most of the items on display are from the museum’s own collection.

The exhibit is a result of collaborative efforts, with an advisory team of historians and archivists, described by Kimberly Guise, the exhibit’s curator, as a network of female historians, contributing to its composition. Their goal was to present the women’s stories in a manner that would resonate with how they would want their experiences shared.

The narrative of the exhibit, devised in consultation with the advisory committee, unfolds clockwise around the uniform display, providing an overview of the history of women in military service leading up to the war and concluding with a multimedia tribute to the lasting impact of women who served in World War II, which paved the way for expanded opportunities for women in today’s armed forces.

Numerous interactive elements within the exhibit offer visitors a glimpse into the personal lives of the servicewomen, highlighting their daily routines, milestones, relationships, and moments of respite during their service. The exhibit also includes a digital engagement experience that allows guests to virtually interact with three women WWII veterans, providing a unique perspective on their service.

The exhibit pays homage to remarkable individuals like Romay Johnson Davis, a member of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, who passed away at the age of 104. Davis, the oldest living veteran of her unit, attended the exhibit’s opening and played a significant role in the battalion’s history, which is showcased in “Our War Too.”

The museum’s commitment to sharing the stories of American citizen soldiers, including the servicewomen of World War II, underscores its dedication to preserving and honoring the legacy of those who served during the war. Through exhibits like “Our War Too: Women in Service,” the National WWII Museum continues to educate and inspire visitors with the stories of these unsung heroes.