We invite members of the Vietnam Women Veterans Association., who served in staff and lines positions in Vietnam, to share their stories with us.

The vast majority of women in Vietnam, over 10,000, served as nurses. But our guests–among them, Pat Jernigan, Elaine James, Nancy Jurgevich–were some of the 1,000 or so other women in Vietnam who weren’t nurses. Many of them were members of the Women’s Army Corps (WAC)

WACs held a range of positions, including administrative roles, clerical work, intelligence, communications, and other support functions. Their work was crucial to the daily operations of the U.S. military in Vietnam, as they handled essential tasks that kept the military machine running smoothly.

Many WACs served in administrative positions, working as secretaries, typists, and clerks. These women were responsible for managing military records, typing reports, handling correspondence, and performing other office duties. Their work was often behind the scenes, but it was vital to maintaining the efficiency and organization of military operations. Administrative WACs ensured that orders were processed, records were kept accurately, and communication lines remained open, allowing the military to function effectively.

Some WACs were assigned to intelligence and communications roles. In these positions, women worked on gathering, analyzing, and disseminating information critical to military operations. They may have been involved in decoding messages, monitoring enemy communications, or assisting in the planning and coordination of missions. These roles required a high level of skill and attention to detail, as mistakes could have serious consequences for military strategy and the safety of troops.

WACs also worked in a variety of support services, including logistics, supply management, and personnel management. They were responsible for ensuring that soldiers had the supplies they needed, managing equipment and resources, and assisting in the coordination of personnel movements. These roles were essential to maintaining the overall effectiveness of the military force in Vietnam, ensuring that soldiers were well-equipped and supported in the field.

WACs in Vietnam faced a number of challenges, both in their professional roles and in their daily lives. The environment was often hostile, with the constant threat of attacks and the difficult conditions of living in a war zone. Additionally, many of these women faced gender-based discrimination and skepticism from their male counterparts, who were not always accustomed to working alongside women in the military.

Despite these challenges, the women of the WAC proved their value through their competence, dedication, and professionalism. They worked long hours, often under stressful conditions, and played a critical role in supporting the war effort. Their presence in Vietnam also marked an important step in the evolution of women’s roles in the military, as they demonstrated that women could perform effectively in a variety of military functions beyond nursing.

The service of WACs in Vietnam helped pave the way for greater integration of women into the U.S. military. The Vietnam War was one of the first conflicts where women served in a combat zone in significant numbers, and their contributions were an important part of the overall war effort. The experience of WACs in Vietnam demonstrated that women could perform a wide range of military duties, leading to increased opportunities for women in the military in the years following the war.

In 1978, five years after the end of the Vietnam War, the Women’s Army Corps was disbanded, and women were fully integrated into the regular Army. The legacy of the WACs, particularly those who served in Vietnam, lives on as an important chapter in the history of women in the military. Their service helped to challenge traditional gender roles and opened the door for future generations of women to serve in more diverse and challenging roles within the armed forces.

Only after decades of protest and court challenges were these discriminatory policies amended. And it wasn’t until 2015 that the Department of Defense ended all restrictions on women’s service.

We’re grateful to UPMC for Life and Tobacco Free Adagio Health for sponsoring this event!