Kathryn F. Wakefield Collection

Kathryn F. Wakefield and dog
Kathryn Fulner Wakefield poses with a dog in her lap on 9 January 1944, probably in Alpine, Texas. She wears the WAAC winter service uniform with corporal insignia on the sleeve.
Kathryn F. Wakefield in exercise uniform
Kathryn Fulner Wakefield sits on a post, circa 1943. She wears the WAAC brown and white seersucker exercise uniform, and in her lap is the khaki summer fatigue hat.
Oral history interview with Kathryn Fulner Wakefield
Primarily documents Kathryn Wakefield's service in the WAAC (Women's Auxiliary Army Corps) and the WAC (Women's Army Corps) from 1943 to 1945. Wakefield discusses the Depression, the attack on Pearl Harbor, and attending business school. Of her enlistment, she describes the influence recruitment posters had on her, her decision to join the WAAC because of its unflattering uniform, and her family's reaction. Topics from Wakefield's basic training include: the thrill of being stationed in the South; the adjustment to military life; training instructors; and unit size. Of her experience at Army Administration School in Alpine, Texas, Wakefield mentions the adjustment to the environment and performing military police duties. " Wakefield describes being a member of the first WAAC unit stationed at Greenwood, Mississippi, and remembers a birthday party thrown for her by servicemen. Topics from her time in Jackson, Mississippi, include: recruiting and selling war bonds; replacing her future husband while he was on furlough; flying with Dutch pilots; and her wedding. From her time stationed in Dothan, Alabama, she recalls performing stenography for court cases. Other wartime topics include: civilian reactions to servicewomen; WWII patriotism; and the stigma attached to the WAC. The interview concludes with a discussion about Wakefield's photographs from her time in the WAAC and the WAC.
Six WAACs in exercise uniform
Kathryn Fulner Wakefield (back row, second from left) and five other WAACs sit on the ground, circa 1943. The WAACs wear brown and white seersucker exercise uniforms with khaki summer fatigue hats.
WAAC and three army servicemen at Greenwood Army Air Base
An unidentified WAAC and three army servicemen stand together at Greenwood Army Air Base, Mississippi, in November of 1944. The WAAC wears the enlisted personnel summer service uniform.
WAAC and three army servicemenat Greenwood Army Air Base
An unidentified WAAC and three army servicemen stand together at Greenwood Army Air Base, Mississippi, in November of 1944. The WAAC wears the enlisted personnel summer service uniform.
WAACs on airplane wing
Three WAACs, including Kathryn F. Wakefield (far right), sit on the wing of an airplane, circa 1944. All three women wear the WAAC winter service uniform and winter member's hat. The photo was taken by the WAAC for publicity purposes.