African American Women in the Women’s Army Corps
2/15/1945
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This silent film shows African American WACs (members of the Women’s Army Corps) during World War II. When WWII started, many in America wanted to fight and serve, including many women. The Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) was created in May 1942 (it would later be named the Women’s Army Corps, or WAC), but the War Department announced that it would follow Army policy, and admit African American women with a 10-percent quota.
In addition to discrimination in civilian life, African American women faced segregation within the military. African American WAACs were in a separate company from white trainees, and had separate lodging, dining tables, and recreation areas. Reports came out that African American WAACs with college degrees were being assigned to clean floors, and given laundry duty.
In July 1943, it was announced that the women of WAAC would be classified under the same ranks as soldiers, a big victory for women’s equality. The unit name changed to the Women’s Army Corps (WAC). African American WACs didn’t receive the same specialized training that white WACs had, however, and most were trained in motor equipment, cooking, or administrative work.
This footage shows African American WACs in formation and marching, and Maj Charity Adams – one of only two black WACs promoted to the rank of major during WWII – speaking with Gen John C H Lee and reviewing passing WACs on parade.
Following the WAC footage, the film shows soldiers receiving field commissions in Hoensbroek, Holland.
In addition to discrimination in civilian life, African American women faced segregation within the military. African American WAACs were in a separate company from white trainees, and had separate lodging, dining tables, and recreation areas. Reports came out that African American WAACs with college degrees were being assigned to clean floors, and given laundry duty.
In July 1943, it was announced that the women of WAAC would be classified under the same ranks as soldiers, a big victory for women’s equality. The unit name changed to the Women’s Army Corps (WAC). African American WACs didn’t receive the same specialized training that white WACs had, however, and most were trained in motor equipment, cooking, or administrative work.
This footage shows African American WACs in formation and marching, and Maj Charity Adams – one of only two black WACs promoted to the rank of major during WWII – speaking with Gen John C H Lee and reviewing passing WACs on parade.
Following the WAC footage, the film shows soldiers receiving field commissions in Hoensbroek, Holland.
This primary source comes from the Records of the Office of the Chief Signal Officer.
National Archives Identifier: 16214
Full Citation: Motion Picture 111-ADC-2410; Negro WACs; US Fifth Armored Division Field Awards, Hoensbroek, Holland; 2/15/1945; Moving Images Relating to Military Activities, 1947 - 1964; Records of the Office of the Chief Signal Officer, Record Group 111; National Archives at College Park, College Park, MD. [Online Version, https://www.docsteach.org/documents/document/african-american-wacs, September 17, 2024]Rights: Copyright Not Evaluated Learn more on our privacy and legal page.
