"Well, nice girls just don't enlist. Period. You just don't do that." - Annette Howards
Honoring Our female world war II Veterans
When one thinks of World War II, several famous events and battles come to mind such as the bombing of Pearl Harbor, D-Day when the Allies stormed Normandy Beach in France, and raising of the American the flag in Iwo Jima. Personal stories from many witnesses have been told regarding the various happenings that took place during World War II. However, only a few stories outline the female servicewoman perspective. One personal story is that of former Marine Corps World War II Veteran Annette Howards. Sadly, Annette Howards is no longer around to tell her brilliant and inspiring story of a female navigating the unchartered territory of a man’s war. Fortunately, Wisconsin World War II Stories has documented her unique story. The Wisconsin World War II Stories website recorded a two-part interview with Annette Howards in which she takes you through her storied military history from enlistment to the end of the Great War. Listen to Annette’s interview here and visit the Wisconsin World War II Stories at www.wpt2.org.
Joshua Reed
Military Student Services
BTB / JAN, 2014 9
1923-2013
Listen to Annette reflect on society's gradual acceptance of women veterans. At the war's end, she heard nothing about women vets and didn't know she had access to benefits such as the GI Bill.
Annette speaks about her job in the Marine Corps during World War II as well as when and how she met her husband who was also a Marine during World War II.
Annette Howards explains her family's reluctance towards her enlisting and recalls the rigors and culture shock of Marine Corps boot camp.