Memories of Mary Louise Daniel
Veteran for December 2008
In 1942 I reported to Dallas, Texas to be sworn into the Women's Auxiliary Army Corps better known as the WAAC. After six months I was discharged from the WAAC's and was sworn into the regular Army Air Force. My two cousins had been with me but they were transferred to the Army so I had to ride the train all alone to Ruston, Louisiana for training
After basic training I was sent to Greenville Army Air Field (GAAF) in Greenville, MS where I worked in the Cadet Message Center taking care of cadets' mail. In those days the women didn't go overseas unless they had an M.O.S. (Military Occupational Specialist) that was needed. Since my M.O.S. was needed they were about to send me, but because I was friendly with my Commanding Officer, she asked if I wanted to teach calisthenics. I agreed and was sent to San Antonio for a two week school, then returned to GAAF where I taught P.T., was mail clerk, marched the company to meetings and was a general flunky.
After 18 months nine other girls and myself boarded a train for Moultrie, Georgia, where we were later joined by our commanding officer. Eventually I was given the same duties I had performed at GAAF. On D Day we celebrated at the club. Then after being discharged we headed home, myself and the 8 girls from Texas were sent to San Antonio for processing.
Things have changed so much since that time. When I enlisted you couldn't have a child. If you did, you had to give it to someone else. We had our own barracks and we served here at home. These days women do any of the jobs overseas or on ships, and they even bunk with the men.
My husband served in the 32nd Division in the South Pacific. Our son eventually joined the Marines and served 4 years in Vietnam.
Of course I suffered sorrow and heartaches. My uncle, who was only 4 years older than me, was killed in Italy and his older brother was a prisoner in the Battle of the Bulge. The National Guard in Itasca had been called to active duty and very few returned. However, I enjoyed every minute of my time in the service. We played basketball, baseball and had parties and made good friends.
