The Navy's First Enlisted Women: Patriotic Pioneers

Women have volunteered to serve their nation during every war or conflict since the American Revolution. The female yeomen continued this legacy and remained focused despite strong criticism. The Navy operated more efficiently and effectively with them. Some forces within the Navy and Congress tried to prevent these amazing women from receiving the recognitions they earned following the war. However, with the help of the American Legion, naval officers, and other advocates, the female veterans continued their fight to be recognized. Chapter 1 considers the contradiction between the United States' engaging in a war to protect democracy while denying democratic rights and privileges to women and blacks. It also provides a brief overview of the history of women in the military prior to the United States' entry into World War I. The second chapter describes Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels's decision to recruit women, the enlistment process, and their "basic training." The third chapter analyzes how the various clerical and non-clerical duties of the yeomen (F.) contributed directly to the success of the Navy's strategy and the Allied victory, as well as gender relations. The fourth chapter explores how the war changed the world, their lives, and the Navy. The epilogue summarizes key changes in the status of Navy women since World War I. The select list of sources will help those desiring further study