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Louise Ross Yegge Collection

Louise Yegge (1918-2002) of Harrisburg, Arkansas, served in the United States Navy WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Service) from 1942 to 1945.

Louise Ross and John Yegge on their wedding day
Photo of Louise Ross Yegge and John Yegge, both in Navy uniforms, outside a building on their wedding day in February 1945.
Oral history interview with Louise Ross Yegge
Primarily documents Louise Ross Yegge's service in the U.S. Navy WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) during World War II. Yegge briefly discusses her early life, including her parents' deaths, and her work and housing in Memphis, Tennessee, after high school. She shares her reasons for joining the WAVES instead of the WAC, and being the seventh woman to report for basic training at Hunter College, New York. Of her time there, Yegge mentions a one-day liberty trip to New York City and the drilling. Of her time at storekeeper's school at the University of Indiana, she discusses her teachers and the dormitories. " Most of the interview focuses on her time at Naval Air Station, Ottumwa, Iowa, and includes: being in charge of the kitchen supply storeroom; a funny story about a chief she worked under; meeting her husband; and her leisure activities. Discussion about her life after her service includes her moves to Boone, Iowa; Memphis; and Greensboro, North Carolina.
Portrait of Louise Ross Yegge
Portrait of Louise Ross Yegge in WAVES dress blue uniform and garrison cap, taken after completion of supply school in 1943.

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