Women's Army Corps

Postcard of the W.A.A.C. practicing P.T. Exercies in front of Weaver Building.

The U.S. entered World War II in December 1941 but by May 1942, their forces were stretched to their limits.  In an attempt to free up male soldiers for front line combat, Congress brought women into the military with the creation of the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC).  In 1943, a class of 300 WAACs arrived on Eastern’s campus. In total, 1600 women trained on Eastern’s campus as part of the Army Administrative School, 3589 Service Unit, WAC Branch No. 6.  WAACs lived in Burnam Hall and utilized campus facilities.  With the formation of the WAAC, the U.S. government created a pathway for women to serve their country.  While they served, they also supported our campus. For Eastern – then the Eastern State Teachers College – it meant a way to keep the doors open as the war drew students away to the front line.