Florida Women in World War II

Related Cities & Topics:

View Full Size

Florida's women became part of the ongoing war effort in one aspect or another.

Photo Credit: Florida State Archives

During World War II, the Army trained 20,000 WACs in Daytona Beach, while Florida's women found new employment and battled rations.

World War II provided a catalyst for improved economic, social and political conditions among American women.

More than 6 million women entered the workforce for the first time between 1941 and 1945.

In addition to clerical and secretarial jobs, they worked in shipyards and aircraft plants. Many stayed home to raise children and keep house while waiting for their husbands to return, fighting the battle of the home front, as rationing and shortages of goods and services posed challenges.

Florida native Jacqueline Cochran was selected to organize the WASP. After the war she became the first woman to break the sound barrier.

Other women enlisted in the armed services. Some 272,000 women, including many Floridians, joined the Women’s Army Corps.

The Army established a major training facility for the WACs at Daytona Beach, where some 20,000 women eventually trained. Similar organizations like the Navy’s WAVES and the Coast Guard’s SPARS were also established. In addition the WASP, or Women Airforce Service Pilots, was a civilian organization utilized by the Air Transport Command for ferrying and training duties. Florida native Jacqueline Cochran was selected to organize the WASP. After the war she became the first woman to break the sound barrier.