Strictly G.I.: The WWII Letters of Cpl.Wanda M. Renn

Wanda served in the 149th WAAC Post Hq. Co., the first group of Womens Auxiliary Army Corps (WAAC) during World War II to be sent overseas. "Strictly G.I." is a phrase my grandmother used to describe herself. She advanced quickly in the ranks, and shared her proudest moments in the letters, beginning with her initial training in Des Moines to marches before the general in North Africa. She also shares more humorous moments and interesting observations. Here is a quote from one Vmail: "We have a radio in our "room" and whenever we get a short wave station from the states, it makes a person stop and think. You don't know - you can't possibly know what war really is - in all reality." These historical letters have been transcribed in chronological order. Also included are a forward and "postscript" from Wanda's grandaughter. The letters have never been published until now.

The letters document Wanda's training in 1942 at Fort Des Moines, Iowa to the dispatch of her unit overseas to French North Africa. Wanda's portrayal of life as a teletypist is lively and descriptive. The letters also record her perspective of the media's portrayal of the WAACs. Also unfolding in the letters is her concern for her male counterparts, and her growing affection for one special soldier.

Women in America will be inspired by Wanda's wit and resilience. Unlike servicemen, the auxiliaries could not receive overseas pay or government life insurance. If they became sick or wounded, they would not receive veterans' hospitalization. If they were killed, their parents received no death gratuity. Enjoy this first person account of WWII from the perspective of a hard-working woman soldier.