The warclouds were hovering over Europe for the past two years. And Japan had invaded China and was taking over most of the Pacific Islands. America was bracing for War!!
I was waitressing at a diner in Malden, Ma. when Pearl Harbor was attacked. I was too young to realize the implications of that attack. In fact, it was okay at first, rather exciting for a 'small town' girl. I was single, and Boston was alive with sailors. But it wasn't long before the male population began dwindling. I was writing to fourteen male friends--- one day we are all playing 'marbles'--the next day they are all in uniform(Army,Navy,Marines). One day they are all whole and healthy and vibrant human beings. The next day they never come home at all!!The war was all too prevalent for the rest of my teen years!
I worked for the General Electric Co. in Lynn, Mass. from 1942-1944, building tachometers for airplanes. It was piece-work, the top pay $1.20 an hour. It was okay work, but I did want to join the Army and become a part of the 'big picture'. I was too young at that time, so I 'fixed' my Baptismal Record and enlisted in the WAAC!! I was joyful!! But not for long--I passed my physical and was on my way to Basic Training, when 'they' said I looked too young and 'they' checked my High School record. I had to wait four more months, but I gladly reenlisted, and in May, 1944, I officially became a WAAC!!! I WAS THRILLED!!