[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 158 (Wednesday, November 10, 1999)]
[House]
[Pages H11916-H11921]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            COMMENDING THE SERVICE OF WOMEN IN WORLD WAR II

  Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 41) honoring the women who served the United States 
in military capacities during World War II and recognizing that these 
women contributed vitally to the victory of the United States and the 
Allies in the war, as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                               H. Res. 41

       Whereas during World War II women in the United States were 
     recruited into the Armed Forces to perform military 
     assignments so that men could be freed for combat duties;
       Whereas, despite social stigmas and public opinion averse 
     to women in uniform, women applied for military service in 
     such numbers that enrollment ceilings were reached within the 
     first several years;
       Whereas during World War II women served in the Army in the 
     Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) and the Women's Army 
     Corps (WAC);
       Whereas these women served the Army by performing a variety 
     of duties traditionally performed by men;
       Whereas in 1943 the Army removed the auxiliary status of 
     the WAAC units, in unspoken recognition of the value of their 
     services;
       Whereas almost one-half of World War II WACs served in the 
     Army Air Forces as officers and enlisted personnel, with 
     duties including such flying jobs as radio operator, 
     photographer, and flight clerk;
       Whereas 7,315 of these Army Air Forces WACs were serving 
     overseas in all theaters of war in January 1945;
       Whereas General Eisenhower stated, ``During the time I have 
     had WACs under my command they have met every test and task 
     assigned to them; their contributions in efficiency, skill, 
     spirit, and determination are immeasurable'';
       Whereas at the end of the war 657 women were honored for 
     their service in the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps and the 
     Women's Army Corps, receiving medals and citations including 
     the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Air 
     Medal, the Soldiers' Medal for heroic action, the Purple 
     Heart, and the Bronze Star;
       Whereas in 1946 the Army requested that Congress establish 
     the Women's Army Corp as a permanent part of the Army, 
     perhaps the single greatest indication of the value of women 
     in the Army to the war effort;
       Whereas during World War II women served with the Army Air 
     Forces in the Women's Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS), the 
     Women's Flying Training Detachment (WFTD), and the Women Air 
     Force Service Pilots (WASPs);
       Whereas women serving with the Army Air Forces ferried 
     planes from factories to airfields, performed test flights of 
     repaired aircraft, towed targets used in live gunnery 
     practice by male pilots, and performed a variety of other 
     duties traditionally performed by men;
       Whereas women pilots flew more than 70 types of military 
     aircraft, from open-cockpit primary trainers to P-51 
     Mustangs, B-26 Marauders, and B-29 Superfortresses;
       Whereas from September 10, 1942, to December 20, 1944, 
     1,074 WASPs flew an aggregate 60,000,000 miles in wartime 
     service;
       Whereas, although WASPs were promised military 
     classification, they were classified

[[Page H11917]]

     as civilians and the 38 WASPs who died in the line of duty 
     were buried without military honors;
       Whereas WASPs did not receive official status as military 
     veterans until March 1979, when WASP units were formally 
     recognized as components of the Air Force;
       Whereas during World War II women in the Navy served in the 
     Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES);
       Whereas approximately 90,000 WAVES served the Navy in a 
     variety of capacities and in such numbers that, according to 
     a Navy estimate, enough men were freed for combat duty to 
     crew the ships of four major task forces, each including a 
     battleship, two large aircraft carriers, two heavy cruisers, 
     four light cruisers, and 15 destroyers;
       Whereas WAVES who served in naval aviation taught 
     instrument flying, aircraft recognition, celestial 
     navigation, aircraft gunnery, radio, radar, air combat 
     information, and air fighter administration, but were not 
     allowed to be pilots;
       Whereas, at the end of the war, Secretary of the Navy James 
     Forrestal stated that members of the WAVES ``have exceeded 
     performance of men in certain types of work, and the Navy 
     Department considers it to be very desirable that these 
     important services rendered by women during the war should 
     likewise be available in postwar years ahead'';
       Whereas during World War II women served in the Marine 
     Corps in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve;
       Whereas more than 23,000 women served at shore 
     establishments of the Marine Corps, and by the end of the 
     war, 85 percent of the enlisted personnel assigned to 
     Headquarters, Marine Corps were women;
       Whereas during the war women were assigned to over 200 
     different specialties in the Marine Corps, and by performing 
     these duties freed men for active duty to fight;
       Whereas during World War II women served in the Coast Guard 
     in the Coast Guard Women's Reserve (SPARs);
       Whereas more than 10,000 women volunteered for service with 
     the Coast Guard during the period from 1942 through 1946, and 
     when the Coast Guard was at the peak of its strength during 
     the war, one out of every 16 members of the Coast Guard was a 
     SPAR;
       Whereas the SPARs who attended the Coast Guard Academy were 
     the first women in the United States to attend a military 
     academy, and by filling shore jobs for the Coast Guard SPARs 
     freed men to serve elsewhere;
       Whereas by the end of World War II more than 400,000 women 
     had served the United States in military capacities;
       Whereas these women, despite their merit and the recognized 
     value and importance of their contributions to the war 
     effort, were not given status equal to their male 
     counterparts and struggled for years to receive the 
     appreciation of the Congress and the people of the United 
     States;
       Whereas these women helped to catalyze the social, 
     demographic, and economic evolutions that occurred in the 
     1960's and 1970's and continue to this day; and
       Whereas these pioneering women are owed a great debt of 
     gratitude for their service to the United States: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This resolution may be cited as the ``Honoring American 
     Military Women for Their Service in World War II 
     Resolution''.

     SEC. 2. COMMENDATION AND RECOGNITION OF WOMEN WHO SERVED THE 
                   UNITED STATES IN MILITARY CAPACITIES DURING 
                   WORLD WAR II.

       The House of Representatives--
       (1) honors the women who served the United States in 
     military capacities during World War II;
       (2) commends these women who, through a sense of duty and 
     willingness to defy stereotypes and social pressures, 
     performed military assignments to aid the war effort, with 
     the result that men were freed for combat duties; and
       (3) recognizes that these women, by serving with diligence 
     and merit, not only opened up opportunities for women that 
     had previously been reserved for men, but also contributed 
     vitally to the victory of the United States and the Allies in 
     World War II.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
California (Mr. McKeon) and the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. 
Capps) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California (Mr. McKeon).


                             General Leave

  Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks 
on H. Res. 41.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 41 commends the women who served in the military 
during World War II and their contribution to victory in that epic 
struggle. This resolution communicates a very simple statement about 
the importance of women who served the Nation in uniform in World War 
II. It is a statement that I suspect will be endorsed overwhelmingly 
today.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to look beyond the simple statement 
contained in H. Res. 41 and examine the resolution in greater detail. I 
urge my colleagues to take special note of this important and long 
overdue resolution, because, if they are like me, they will learn a 
great deal about World War II and the contribution of military women.
  Mr. Speaker, the role of women in World War II was critically 
important to the war effort on many levels. From Rosie the riveter to 
the millions of homemakers tending their victory gardens, the 
contributions of women were vital to the allied victory.
  This resolution tells the story of a special group of women and their 
very, very direct contributions to the war effort. It is the story of 
the women who stepped forward when the Nation was at risk and 
volunteered to serve in uniform. Not only did women perform military 
duties with proficient skill, but often with incredible courage and at 
great personal sacrifice. They got the job done and, by doing so, freed 
men to be assigned to combat missions.
  I am very proud of the support provided by Congress to the Women in 
Military Service for America Memorial that was opened at Arlington 
Cemetery. But if this House is to faithfully honor the historical 
contributions of women in the military, we must adopt this resolution.
  I want to commend the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Mrs. Myrick) 
for introducing this resolution and bringing it to our attention.
  I think it is vital that this House and the Nation focus our full 
attention on this resolution. We must never forget the contributions 
and sacrifices of these American heroes, the military women of World 
War II. The world might well be a very different place if they had 
chosen to ignore the call to duty. I urge my colleagues to support this 
resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to make it clear that the gentlewoman from 
California (Ms. Sanchez) was intending to open this part of our 
discussion, and she needed to leave, and her statement will be entered 
into the Record.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House Resolution 41, 
honoring women who served in the military during World War II. Without 
the amazing commitment and incredible sacrifice of these brave women, 
our armed forces would never have been so efficient and effective at 
safeguarding freedom and democracy for the world.
  During World War II, women from all over the country were recruited 
to perform crucial military assignments so that more men would be 
available for combat.
  These women faced countless struggles. Many were looked down upon for 
renouncing their traditional role in society. Yet, women enrolled in 
the services in record numbers. In fact, by the end of World War II, 
more than 400,000 women had served the United States in some sort of 
military capacity. Some of these women were nurses. Because I am a 
nurse, my heart goes out to all of them and to all who served in our 
armed forces in World War II.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to tell my colleagues 
about a very amazing woman from my district, Jane Masterson. In 1945, 
Jane left her home in Kentucky to eventually become a Seaman First 
Class at a naval air base out of Memphis, Tennessee. When told she was 
too little to become an aviation machinist, she responded, ``Dynamite 
comes in little packages.'' Jane served her country with strength and 
dignity and was eventually honorably discharged due to a service-
related injury.
  Not content to end her service to the Nation with her World War II 
experience, Jane also served as the commander of the Disabled American 
Veterans Chapter 96 from 1985 to 1991. Jane was the only woman in this 
chapter. After 6 years of service in this capacity, her peers said that 
she was the best commander they ever had.
  Mr. Speaker, tomorrow people from all over this great country of ours 
will gather to honor the men and women

[[Page H11918]]

who willingly gave body and soul to defend this Nation and the values 
which make it great. At this time and in this place, it is very 
important that we remember the contributions of both our military men 
and women. For it is only through their combined efforts that we will 
succeed in continuing to protect democracy.
  Mr. Speaker, I am very disappointed that our voting schedule does not 
allow us to return to our districts in time for veterans, at least some 
of us. I was looking forward to joining the Vietnam veterans in Santa 
Barbara to honor and to remember their bravery and sacrifice. Tomorrow, 
instead, I plan to walk from the Capitol to the Vietnam and Korean 
Memorials and to remember in silence the gift of these people, these 
veterans to this Nation.
  One of these veterans I will remember tomorrow will be Jane Masterson 
and all of the other brave women who have served and continue to serve 
their country so well.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
Illinois (Mrs. Biggert).
  (Mrs. BIGGERT asked and was given permission to revise and extend her 
remarks.)
  Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House 
Resolution 41 to praise the women who have served our Nation's armed 
forces, and especially those that contributed to the victory of the 
United States in World War II.
  All the women who aided in this victory deserve our praise today, but 
I would like to tell my colleagues about one specific woman, Mrs. Doris 
Pahls. Doris Pahls grew up in Chicago and, in 1941, the year the United 
States entered into the Second World War, she enlisted in the U.S. 
Army.
  Mrs. Pahls became a nurse. In 1942, she was assigned to her post, a 
hospital in Belleville, Illinois. There she cared for soldiers who were 
sent home from the war, soldiers injured so severely they required 
hospitalization.
  For 3 years, Mrs. Pahls nursed returning soldiers, giving them far 
more than medical care. She tended to their injuries, but she also gave 
them a long-awaited welcome home and listened to their experiences and 
stories.
  When the war ended in 1945, Doris Pahls was discharged and returned 
home to Chicago. She married Louis F. Pahls, who had courted her all 
through the war, consistently writing her. We did not use the telephone 
or empty mail at that time.
  She continued nursing at St. Elizabeth's Hospital until she and her 
husband had their daughter Marie Pahls Ryan.
  Anyone who knew Doris Pahls discovered a woman of intense and immense 
energy, humor, and caring. She did not talk often about herself and her 
service to the United States. In fact, few knew this sparkling 
grandmother was part of freedom's troop, a woman of the military.
  I am sad to say that Doris Pahls passed away last month from cancer. 
But her service to her country will not be forgotten.
  When Doris was interred, her daughter received the American flag that 
draped her casket. Her grandchildren and her great grandchildren heard 
the sounds of Taps and the firing of rifles, a testament to one of the 
many women who stood to honor their Nation in its hour of danger.
  Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from 
California for yielding time to me. I thank the gentlewoman from North 
Carolina (Mrs. Myrick). Is this not a very special occasion? I thank 
the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Capps) for, as the women in World 
War II, filling in and rising to the occasion.
  We are sorry that the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Sanchez), who 
is en route to her district for meetings and ceremonies that she had to 
participate in, and the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Brown), and many, 
many other women who had planned to be here to support this are moving 
out to their district at this time.
  But I wanted to acknowledge a specialness of this particular 
resolution, H. Res. 41, honoring the American military women for their 
service in World War II.
  Mr. Speaker, I had the opportunity to participate in this ceremony at 
the Arlington Cemetery honoring women in the military and, in 
particular, taking note of the strength of women who participated, who 
signed up, who volunteered for World War II.
  As we look at those black and white films, I remember or am reminded 
of seeing the factories. My understanding was that, as the men went off 
to war, there were many women who then had to fill the plants in making 
military equipment.
  But there was not enough focus on the number of women who volunteered 
for actual duty in World War II. I do not know if my colleagues 
realize, Mr. Speaker, that so many women volunteered for armed services 
duty in World War II that enrollment ceilings were reached within the 
first several years.
  Unfortunately, I do not know if many of us are aware that, even 
though the WASPS were promised military classification, they were 
classified as civilians, and the 38 WASPS who died in the line of duty 
were buried without military honors.
  Just seeing General Eisenhower, President Eisenhower's son, 
yesterday, as they honored him by naming our Federal building after 
President Eisenhower, the General himself, said that, during the time 
that he had witnessed the service of the WACs under his command, they 
had met every test and task assigned to them. Their contributions and 
efficiency, skills, spirit and determination are immeasurable. I would 
consider him a general's general.
  So this resolution is long overdue. On the eve of honoring our 
veterans, let me now say that it is so very important that we honor 
these women and thank all of our veterans across America for the 
service that they have given, because I believe that God may have given 
me life, but the veterans have given me the quality of life that we 
experience and the democracy that we admire in this country.
  So to all of the women who have served in the military, and 
particularly those who volunteered, some 20,000 in the Marine Corps for 
World War II, this is a time of praise and acknowledgment, and I 
congratulate each and every one.
  Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 4 minutes to the 
gentlewoman from North Carolina (Mrs. Myrick), author of this 
resolution.
  Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California for 
yielding to me, and I rise in support of the resolution to honor the 
women veterans of World War II.
  Back in February, I introduced H. Res. 41 because Congress has never 
officially honored these trail-blazing women, and, thankfully, we are 
doing so now and appropriately so on the eve of Veterans' Day.
  More than 400,000 women served in the military during World War II. 
They served as members of the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps, the Women's 
Army Corps, the Navy Women's Auxiliary Reserve, the Coast Guard Women's 
Reserve, and as Women's Air Force pilots.

                              {time}  1800

  Indeed, 38 women Air Force pilots died in the line of duty and were 
buried without military honors. These women veterans did not earn equal 
pay or status; but even so, they were certainly more than willing to do 
the right thing and sacrificed to serve our country.
  Nevertheless, it took decades for many of them to even earn 
recognition as military veterans. H. Res. 41 commends those women who, 
through a sense of duty and willingness to defy stereotypes and 
political pressures, performed military assignments so that men could 
be freed for combat duties. One of those women is my good friend in 
Charlotte, Gaye Patterson, who was a nurse in World War II.
  In addition, the bill recognizes that the military women of World War 
II, by serving with diligence and merit, not only opened up 
opportunities for women that had been reserved for men, but also 
contributed vitally to the victory of the United States and the Allies 
in World War II.
  Mr. Speaker, by passing H. Res. 41, Congress will recognize the value 
of their service. It has taken a while, and, unfortunately, many of 
these women have now passed away, but this Veterans' Day we will give 
them praise

[[Page H11919]]

and thanks that is long overdue all over this country.
  I would like to thank again my friend, the gentleman from California 
(Mr. McKeon), for his leadership on this issue, and I urge all of my 
colleagues to support this resolution.
  Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume to 
briefly commend my colleague, the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Mrs. 
Myrick), for her diligence and inspiration in bringing this wonderful 
resolution to the floor. I was very happy to be here to speak to it.
  Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back 
the balance of my time.
  Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. Lazio).
  Mr. LAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from California 
(Mr. McKeon), my classmate and fine Member of this House; and I want to 
particularly thank the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Mrs. Myrick) 
for bringing this important issue to the floor. I commend her for her 
commitment to providing women veterans the recognition they so richly 
deserve.
  I am particularly pleased to have the opportunity to speak to this 
resolution because one of the 400,000-plus women being honored today is 
my own mom. I stand with my sisters, Gale, Roseann, and Judy in 
acknowledging and honoring her today.
  In 1944, a war was going on. My mom, Olive Christensen of New York, 
not yet 20 years old, wanted to do her part. She entered the Navy 
Women's Auxiliary Reserve, or WAVES, that year and stayed on until the 
war's end in 1945. She left the conforts of home and family in Brooklyn 
and served in the Naval Hospital at the Naval Medical Center in 
Bethesda, Maryland.
  As a Hospital Apprentice Second Class and later as a Hospital 
Apprentice First Class and Corpsman, she cared for the sick and wounded 
Marines and Naval personnel who were transferred back to the States 
from all fronts all around the world. While others were raising 
families, she was patching up the wounded. While others were living 
their youth, she was maturing and carrying on the responsibilities of 
serving in our national defense. She spent long hours in a strange city 
far from home, helping our troops. It was the best way she could help 
her country in its greatest struggle.
  Mr. Speaker, over 74,000 women in my home State of New York answered 
their Nation's call, serving in World War I, World War II, Korea, 
Vietnam, the Gulf, and in peacetime. Five thousand alone came from 
Suffolk County, where my district is located. We cannot find their 
contributions in many history books. Their sacrifices are not honored 
as they deserve to be. Their contributions and their sacrifices are 
often invisible.
  Our mother's mothers also served in their time, and history treats 
their contributions in the same manner. Theirs are also invisible. 
Eleven thousand women served our country in the Naval Reserve during 
World War I and another 300 enlisted in the Marine Corps. By 1919, they 
were all discharged. It would take another war before we would open the 
door to women again.
  To all the women being honored today, I have a personal request. It 
is this: please tell your children, your grandchildren, and even your 
great grandchildren how you served your country in its time of need. Do 
not let your experiences become invisible. Because of the path that you 
paved, women today make up over 13 percent of the armed forces of this 
great Nation. Their contributions are immense.
  American women have served their country, but their efforts and 
contributions were never given the same recognition as their male 
counterparts until today. Today, as we prepare to honor our Nation's 
veterans, I am proud to say that women are veterans too. Today, as a 
Member of Congress and as a son, I am proud to say to my mother and to 
all the thousands of other moms who served, ``Thanks, Mom. Thanks for 
your help in keeping us free.''
  Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume to 
commend the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Mrs. Myrick) for her 
leadership in bringing this resolution to the floor, the gentlewoman 
from California (Mrs. Capps) for working with her on that, and all 
those who have spoken and those who were intending to speak and had to 
leave early to go back to their districts. Mr. Speaker, I urge support 
of this bill.
  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the resolution 
offered by Representative Myrick in honor of the more than 400,000 
women who served the United States in military capacities during World 
War II.
  Tomorrow we honor all our veterans to whom our nation owes a 
tremendous debt. These courageous men and women sacrificed so much--
whether in World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, or the Gulf War--
to ensure the freedom and opportunity that we so often take for 
granted.
  Now, however, we take a moment to honor the brave women who overcame 
the traditional stereotypes of their place in society to play vital 
roles in the effort to bring victory to the United States and its 
Allies in World War II.
  It is our responsibility to repay these courageous women for the 
sacrifices that they made to ensure peace and freedom for this country. 
We must also express our appreciation for their strength in paving the 
way for future generations of women, opening new careers opportunities 
and possibilities.
  We must thank the 150,000 women who risked their lives serving the 
Army despite the fact that they did not have the same protection as men 
under international POW agreements; the more than 30,000 women who 
served the Marines and the Coast Guard; the WASPs who ferried planes 
from factories over a total distance of 60 million miles to airfields; 
and the WAVES who taught aircraft recognition, navigation, air combat 
information, and other essential skills.
  I urge my colleagues to honor these women for their determination and 
bravery and vote for this bill.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of 
Veterans Day, that day on which all of us are called on to honor the 
sacrifices made for our country by those who serve in her armed forces 
and those who risked or gave their lives defending her.
  It is fitting that on the day before Veterans Day, this House pays 
tribute to a special group of veterans who put their country before 
themselves in a time of great danger. H. Res. 41 recognizes our 
nation's women veterans for their service during World War II. Nothing 
we can do today can repay the debt we owe them. But we must note that 
debt, recognize it and make certain our children know how great it is.
  In 1954, President Eisenhower pronounced November 11 ``Veterans Day'' 
to honor the veterans of all American conflicts. Previously, November 
11 was known as Armistice Day, a reference to the November 11, 1918, 
armistice between the Allies and the Central Powers in World War I.
  Unfortunately for us the war to end all wars was not the last of the 
Nation's conflicts. All Americans are deeply indebted to the more than 
600,000 brave men and women who paid the ultimate price for the liberty 
that we enjoy today.
  This resolution expresses the sense of the House honoring the women 
who served the United States in military capacities during World War 
II. It commends these women who, through sense of duty and willingness 
to defy stereotypes and political pressures, performed military 
assignments. Their efforts freed men for combat duties, opened up 
opportunities for women that had been reserved for men, but also 
contributed vitally to the victory of the United States and the Allies 
in World War II.
  Serving in obscurity women World War II veterans served in the Women 
Air Force Service Pilots (WASPs), the Women's Army Corps (WAC), the 
Navy Women's Auxiliary Reserve (WAVES) and the Coast Guard Women's 
Reserve (SPARs). By the end of World War II more than 400,000 women had 
served the United States in a variety of military capacities.
  On Thursday, our nation will pause to honor our veterans who served 
our country with distinction. Whether through a parade, speech, or 
memorial service let us remember to honor all of our veterans including 
those women who served during World War II.
  Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, on the eve of Veterans Day--the day we set 
aside to honor our nation's veterans--I rise in support of H. Res. 41, 
a measure honoring women veterans and their contributions to the allied 
victory in World War II.
  In 1941, Congresswoman Edith Nourse Rogers introduced H.R. 4906, the 
bill that established the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC). Although 
faced with mounting opposition in the House, the bill was signed into 
law on May 15, 1942 as Public Law 77-554.
  Two months later, similar legislation was introduced and signed into 
law establishing the Navy Women's Reserve (WAVES) and the Marine Corps 
Women's Reserve. Four months

[[Page H11920]]

later, the Coast Guard Women's Reserve was established.
  Women answered the call to duty without hesitation. The first group 
of 400 white and 40 black women were selected from among 30,000 
applicants. They came from every state and a variety of circumstances. 
They all had two things in common--they had all volunteered and they 
had a desire to serve their nation.
  Just as their male counterparts, they had put their lives, their 
goals, and their dreams--on hold to serve their country. By the end of 
World War II, some 400,000 women had served in the military.
  There can be little doubt that these brave women performed a valuable 
role to the war effort during World War II. Historical documents are 
full of testimonials attesting to the excellence of women's 
contributions, disciplined character and their overall positive effect 
on the armed services. It is appropriate that we take this time to 
honor these brave women who served this nation with honor during World 
War II.
  I also commend the sponsor of this measure, my colleague from 
California, Loretta Sanchez. I thank and commend her for her leadership 
on this important measure recognizing the critically important 
contributions made by our nation's women veterans in World War II.
  To all our veterans on the eve of the last Veterans Day of this 
century, I say thank you for a job well done. Mr. Speaker, I am honored 
to support H. Res. 41 and I urge the immediate passage of this bill.
  Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 
41.
  Legislation honoring the brave women who served the United States 
during world War II.
  I would also like to commend my colleagues, Representative Myrick and 
my distinguished Chairman, Mr. Buyer, for all of their hardwork on this 
important legislation.
  As we approach Veterans Day, we must thank all of our Veterans for 
providing us with the peace that we enjoy in our prosperous country.
  This century our nation has sent its sons and its daughters to war 
many times.
  And today we are here to pay tribute to a special group that has 
answered this call to arms, the women who served our nation proudly 
during WWII.
  To all the remarkable servicewomen out there, thank you for your 
service to America.
  These individuals are the true pioneers who broke through the 
barriers and paved the way for future women serving in the military.
  Women have been in our service since George Washington's troops 
fought for independence--clothing and feeding our troops and binding 
their wounds.
  They were in the struggle to preserve the Union as cooks and tailors, 
couriers and scouts, and even as spies.
  Some were so determined to fight for what they believed that they 
masqueraded as men and took up arms.
  And more than 400,000 women served this great nation during World War 
II.
  Yes, more than 400,000 women.
  General Eisenhower is known to have stated, ``During the time I have 
had WACs (members of the Women's Army Corps) under my command--they met 
every test and task assigned to them. Their contributions in 
efficiency, skill, spirit, and determination are immeasurable''.
  From Pearl Harbor to the invasion of the Philippines to the 
liberation of Europe, these brave women endured bombs, disease, and 
deprivation to support our Allied forces.
  But despite this history of bravery and accomplishment, women were 
treated as second class soldiers.
  They could give their lives for liberty, but they couldn't give 
orders to men.
  They could heal the wounded and hold the dying, but they could not 
dream of holding the highest ranks.
  They could take on the toughest assignments, but they could not take 
up arms.
  Still they volunteered, fighting for freedom but also fighting for 
the right to serve to the fullest of their potential.
  Well today, we are here to finally honor these brave women for the 
service they gave to this great nation during the Second World War.
  We cherish your devotion, we admire your courage, and we thank you 
for your service.
  Ms. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this 
resolution acknowledging some of the bravest women of our country. By 
the end of WW II more that 400,000 women served the United States in 
military capacities and today I join over 200 of my colleagues in 
honoring the extraordinary accomplishments of these women.
  Mr. Speaker, everyone forgets the contributions made by American 
women during WW II. There is never any mention of women veterans. When 
we hear WW II veterans everyone thinks about men only. Women, despite 
their merit and the recognized value and importance of their 
contributions to the war effort, were not given status equal to their 
male counterparts and struggled for years to receive the appreciation 
of the Congress and the people of the United States. In WW I women 
demonstrated that they could perform virtually all civilian tasks as 
efficiently as men. This process carried over into WW II with even 
greater impact. To release men for combat, women in all belligerent 
countries worked on assembly lines in factories and shipyards. Millions 
served in the Armed Forces in non-combat roles. More than 350,000 women 
donned military uniforms and 6 million women worked in defense plants 
and in offices. One of the most important issues of women in the 
military was the fact that men did not want to take orders from women.
  Women became ``liberated''! They started to wear pants. On July 30, 
1942, the Marine Corps Women's Reserve was established as part of the 
Marine Corps Reserve. On November 10, 1943, a statue named ``Mollie 
Marine'' was dedicated in New Orleans to honor all women Marines. In 
1948 Congress passed the Women's Armed Service Act, which opened the 
door for women to serve their country in peacetime. Women moved beyond 
the image of ``Rosie the Riveter''. They established organizations such 
as: WAVE--Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service; WAC--Women's 
Army Corps; WASP--Women's Air Service Pilots; WAFS--Women's Auxiliary 
Ferrying Squadron; WAAC--Women's Army Auxiliary Corps; AWA--Aircraft 
Warning Service.
  In 1977 Congress finally recognized WASP's as veterans and was 
awarded veteran status from the U.S. Air Force. In 1984, each was 
awarded the Victory Medal.
  There is a memorial to the veterans in D.C. that reads:

       In time of danger and not before, women were added to the 
     Corps, with the danger over and all well righted, war is 
     forgotten and the women slighted.

  General Eisenhower strongly recommended that women be a part of the 
military. General Eisenhower stated, ``During the time I have had WAC's 
(members of the Women's Army Corps) under my command they have met 
every test and task assigned to them; their contributions in 
efficiency, skill, spirit, and determination are immeasurable. Present 
day servicewomen owe a lot to Eleanor Roosevelt who encouraged women to 
``Be all you can be''. Since then statistics of women in the Armed 
Forces have skyrocketed.
  Mr. Speaker, women have come a long way. I express my strong support 
of this resolution and join my colleagues in saluting the women who 
have been all they could be for the United States of America.
  Mrs. FOWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 41, 
honoring the women veterans who served during World War II. These women 
are not only heroes because they sacrificed their lives and comfort for 
our country. They are also heroes in that they were in the forefront of 
a movement that opened up a world of opportunities for generations of 
women to come. These courageous and dignified women became role models 
for the young women who grew up at their skirt hems.
  Though women had served in the military as far back as the American 
Revolution, they were only first recruited in World War I. More than 
35,000 women answered their Nation's call in that war. More than 10 
times as many--over 400,000 women--served in the U.S. armed services 
during World War II. Regrettably, Mr. Speaker, more than 200 women died 
in action during World War II and 88 were prisoners-of-war. These brave 
women defied convention and donned the uniform of their Nation to fight 
for the freedom of other mothers and children overseas. Similarly, 
women served valiantly on the home front, taking the place of men who 
had vacated factories to occupy the front-lines of Europe and the 
Pacific.
  Mr. Speaker, these women are our mothers, wives, friends, and 
colleagues. We all owe them a great debt of gratitude for the 
sacrifices they made on our behalf. It is fitting that we should begin 
the solemn celebrations for Veterans Day by passing this resolution and 
memorializing for generations to come the thanks of a grateful nation.

          IN HONOR OF THE WOMEN WHO SERVED DURING WORLD WAR II

  Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 
41, to honor the 400,000 courageous women who served the United States 
during World War II. These women have made an invaluable contribution 
to our Nation. And today, we are proud of their accomplishments and 
grateful for their service. During the War, these women worked as Air 
Force service pilots and as members of the Women's Army Corps.
  These women served the Navy as members of the Volunteer Emergency 
Service, and they served at shore establishments of the Marine Corps. 
These women were an important part of our victory in World War II and 
by serving with diligence and merit, they opened up new opportunities 
for women everywhere.

[[Page H11921]]

  Tomorrow is Veterans Day. In ceremonies across the country, we will 
honor those who risked their lives to serve our country. We can not and 
must not forget those who sacrificed to strengthen democracy around the 
world and defend our freedoms.
  I urge my colleagues to support this resolution and honor the women 
who have served our country so well.
  Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Barrett of Nebraska). The question is on 
the motion offered by the gentleman from California (Mr. McKeon) that 
the House suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H.Res. 41, as 
amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the resolution, as amended, was 
agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________