The Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) was a branch of the United States Navy during World War II. Established on July 30, 1942, WAVES was open to women between the ages of 20 and 35. Over 100,000 women had served in the WAVES by the end of the war. WAVES worked in a variety of roles, including clerical, administrative, medical, and technical positions. Some also served as pilots, gunners, and radio operators. WAVES played a vital role in supporting the war effort, and their service helped to break down barriers for women in the military.
Shortly after graduating from Logan High School in La Crosse, three young women enlisted in the WAVES in 1943: Lucille Will, Helen Jorgenson, and Florence Thompson. After finishing her training at Hunter College in New York City, Thompson wrote home that she enjoyed her work very much and was thrilled about the uniforms and training. Thompson was assigned to administrative work as a yeoman in the Bureau of Naval Personnel in Washington, D.C.
After her service, Thompson enrolled at Luther College in Decorah, IA. She then returned to La Crosse and worked for the county as a social worker for 25 years. She married Robert T. Moe in 1951. After his death in 1999, she married Preston M. Olson.
Florence Thompson’s Documents
Florence Thompson’s Snapshots
