Idelle Singletary Meng Scrapbook

Details

Who's responsible?: Martha Blakeney Hodges Special Collections and University Archives, UNCG University Libraries (Repository)
How much has been digitized?: Only a part of this collection has been digitized.
What's in the full collection?: Scrapbook contains newspaper and newsletter clippings; including "WAC of the Week" columns; military documents and handbooks; photographs; small banner; letters; and ephemera including "WAC Songs" and her WAC application.
Full biography: Idele Singletary Meng (1895-1970) of Austin, Texas, served in the Women's Army Corps (WAC) during World War II. Idele Singletary Meng was born 9 March 1895 in Austin, Texas. She married William Meng, and in 1941 they moved to Carpinteria, California where they owned a ranch. Meng also wrote for a local newspaper, the Santa Barbara News-Press, as the "Carpinteria correspondent" On 14 March 1944, at the age of 49, she enlisted in the Women's Army Corps (WAC) with duty in the Army Air Forces. She had hoped for an assignment in the South Pacific because she had lived for a time in Hawaii. Meng reported for training at the First WAC Training Center, Fort Des Moines, Iowa, where she completed the five week course of training. The Army transferred her to Pratt Army Air Field, Kansas with assignment to the 246th Army Air Force Base Unit on 25 May 1944. There she assumed duties as the base mail clerk. In addition to these duties, Meng wrote articles for the Pratt AAF newspaper, including the "WAC of the Week" column. Meng received a promotion to Private First Class effective 1 July 1944 and was subsequently promoted to Corporal. Later, she assumed duties as the Assistant Base Librarian. Meng left the service on 12 September 1945. Later, she moved to San Diego, California, where she died in August 1970, at the age of 70.
Topics: Women's History
Military
Branch of service: Army -- WAC
Conflict: World War II era (1940-1946)
Subject headings: World War, 1939-1945
United States. Army--Women
Contributing Institution: Martha Blakeney Hodges Special Collections and University Archives, UNCG University Libraries

: A personal message to the family of the girl who has joined the army; A black and white, fold-out, four page pamphlet addressing a family's possible concerns about their daughter's WAC enlistment. On the cover is a letter from Colonel Oveta Culp Hobby. The inside of the pamphlet, titled "She's in the Army Now!" includes topics such as: what to expect during the first few days; meeting new people; tests and interviews; nutrition and fitness; classes; recreation; counseling services; and religious activities.

: Application for enlistment, Women's Army Corps; An application for enlistment in the Women's Army Corps. On the front is a photo of a WAC, a quote from President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and the headline "Here is your application for enlistment in the WAC...fill it out today!" The inside cover contains a letter from Colonel Oveta Culp Hobby. Application questions address applicant's marital status, dependent children, education, work experience, and health.

: Basic training class, Fort Des Moines, Iowa; Official portrait of the 19th company, 3rd regiment of the 82nd basic class at First WAC Training Center, Fort Des Moines, Iowa, taken on 23 May 1944. Pictured include: K.G. Ecke, B. Pinckes, D. Winter, L. Wheeler, Hilda B. Warren, Bessie M. Cooley, Patricia Arrison, Alberta Aldrich, Caroline Bridge, and presumably Idele Singletary Meng. All but one of the WACs wear olive drab service uniforms without jackets, and Hobby hats.

: Idelle Singletary with unidentified sailors; Idelle Singletary stands between two sailors from the United States Navy. Singletary wears a Red Cross summer uniform, with matching overseas cap. Her footwear is likely to be oxford working shoes.

: WAC handbook; Women's Army Corps (WAC) handbook published for the training center at Fort Des Moines, Iowa, in 1944. Included is information for trainees about standards for dress and conduct; the history of Fort Des Moines; facilities at the base; off duty activities; transportation; health care; salary; feminine needs; and first aid. Also included are a map of the base and a section for notes.

: WAC news: the army gal's publication [13 May 1944]; This is an issue of WAC News: The Army Gal's Publication, published at Fort Des Moines, Iowa, May 13, 1944.

: WAC news: the army gal's publication [22 April 1944]; This is an issue of WAC News: The Army Gal's Publication, published at Fort Des Moines, Iowa, April 22, 1944.

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Women Veterans Historical Project

Idelle Singletary Meng Scrapbook

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