Doris Messina Ehlenfeldt Collection

Details

Who's responsible?: Martha Blakeney Hodges Special Collections and University Archives, UNCG University Libraries (Repository)
How much has been digitized?: This collection has been digitized in its entirety.
What's in the full collection?: 2 November 2013 oral history transcript and scanned photograph.
Full biography: Doris Messina Ehlenfeldt (b. 1951) served as a hospital corpsman in the United States Navy from 1969-1971.
Topics: Women's History
Military
Branch of service: Navy
Conflict: Vietnam Era (1964-1974)
Subject headings: Vietnam War, 1961-1975
United States. Navy--Women
Contributing Institution: Martha Blakeney Hodges Special Collections and University Archives, UNCG University Libraries

: Group photograph of Doris Messina Ehlenfeldt and friends; Doris Messina Ehlenfeldt is seen here, on right, during the Senior Party at either United States Naval Station Lakes or U.S. Naval Training Center, Bainbridge, Maryland, circa 1969-1971.

: Oral history interview with Doris Mesina Ehlenfeldt; Primarily documents the early life of Doris Messina Ehlenfeldt and her service in the United States Navy. Ehlenfeldt recounts growing up in West Haven, Connecticut with her parents and three brothers, her decision to leave home and join the U.S. Navy, and the difficulties of being away from home for the first time. She discusses her family's military service, her involvement with the American Legion and volunteer work, and how this background helped her meet the challenges of basic and hospital corps training. Ehlenfeldt describes the positions she held at her duty stations, the on-the-job training she received, and her passion for radiology. Personal topics include Ehlenfeldt's childhood experiences, her husband's military tours in Vietnam, and her distaste for the direction the military has taken in many areas. She discusses her opposition to the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don''t Tell" her personal religious beliefs, and her views on patriotism.

In collections