Photograph of Sergeant Tess Hall, August 23, 1944
This photograph depicts Sergeant Tess Hall of the Women’s Army Corps (WAC). Hall served at the Los Angeles Port of Embarkation, contributing her time to the United Service Organizations (USO) by playing accordion and serving on the joint military and industrial council. She was also rumored to have served in the intelligence division, having spent three years in the WAC.
The Women’s Army Corps was established in 1942 "for the purpose of making available to the national defense the knowledge, skill, and special training of women of the nation." Their assignments included office duties and operating listening posts in the Aircraft and Warning Service. At the height of the Women’s Army Corps in 1945, over 32,000 women held specialty positions in enlisted and officer capacities. It was the dedicated women like Tess Hall that helped deploy American troops to the Pacific Theater during World War II.
Our office holds documents and photographs from various agencies relating to women and their valuable contributions during World War II including the Office of Civilian Defense in Los Angeles, the Eleventh Naval District, the Navajo Army Depot, and the Los Angeles Port of Embarkation.
Photograph of Sergeant Tess Hall, dated August 23, 1944. National Archives Identifier: 352801247.
You can explore more records held in the National Archives at Riverside by searching the National Archives Catalog or by visiting our research room in person. We encourage researchers to contact us to learn more about our holdings or to schedule an appointment.