Madigan Muses: Forgotten Veterans
- iIrish Admin
- November 3, 2024
- Edited 2 months ago
Table of Contents
By Marilyn Madigan
In November 1917, the United States was in World War I. General John Pershing was the Commander of the American Expeditionary Forces.
The United States Signal Corps set up telephone lines from the frontlines to Allied Headquarters. The Signal Corps were overwhelmed with the influx of calls. The American, British and French soldiers at the front desperately needed the support of the telephone operators in updating changes on the battlefield.
General Pershing looked to America for help. At the time, many women made up the workforce as civilian telephone operators. He requested that women who spoke English and French be recruited to help this important need. Thousands of women applied. These women came to be known as the Hello Girls.
The Hello Girls
They underwent a very tough selection process. 450 were selected. Only 223 qualified to serve. Those selected had to agree to serve for the duration of the war. Their training was the same as Army Officer Candidates.
Since they were handling highly confidential information, they were investigated by the Secret Service. They were investigated more than the average soldier on their loyalty and motivations in wanting to serve.
The Hello Girls wore a uniform and were given ranks. Their training included military drills and terms.
The Signal Corps Female Telephone Operators started their transatlantic journey in March 1918. They were invaluable to the war effort. They served across France and in England. The Hello Girls answered 26 million calls during their service.
President Woodrow Wilson, after hearing about the dedication of The Hello Girls in World War I, pushed for the United States Senate to pass the 19th Amendment providing women with the right to vote. The passage of this amendment delivered voting rights to women, the main mission of the women’s suffrage movement.
During the War, The Hello Girls were in uniform, but the United States Army considered them civilian employees, refusing them veteran benefits. Sixty years later, the United States Government finally granted them veteran status. President Jimmy Carter signed the GI Bill of Improvement of 1977 that categorized these women as veterans.
In 1979, the thirty-one surviving Hello Girls received the Victory Medal of World War I. The Hello Girls paved the way for future generations of female service members.
Congressional Gold Medal Award
Congressional Gold Medal Award
What can we do to make sure these women are not forgotten? We can join their descendants in their effort to have these women receive the Congressional Gold Medal.
The Congressional Gold Medal Award needs to receive at least two thirds of the vote of both the House and the Senate to co-sponsor this legislation. Help them secure the votes by asking your Senators and Representatives to support this effort. As of September 17, only 65 more votes are needed.
Please request your Congressional Representative to sign on to House Resolution (HR) 1572. If this resolution does not pass this year, the process will need to start all over again. The World War I Memorial will be dedicated this year;let us make sure these Hello Girls are recognized with the Congressional Gold Medal.
The Hello Girls were trailblazers that made a contribution to our country. As you commemorate Veteran’s Day this year, please remember The Hello Girls as the forgotten heroes of World War I.
Remember, “You can’t spell Hero without Her.” Thank all the women Veterans for their service to our Country.
Read More of Madigan Muses Columns HERE
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American Irish State Legislators Caucus US Ambassador to Ireland
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US Names Ambassador to US. 250th anniversary of the beginning of the American War of Independence will be celebrated throughout 2025. Draft wording for Resolutions for the American Irish State Legislators Caucus have been sent to each State Chair which outlines the actions of some of those who were born in Ireland or who have Irish heritage who participated in the siege of Boston, Bunker Hill and the 1st defeat of the British Navy by the new US Navy.
Marilyn Madigan
*Marilyn Madigan is the Immediate Past National President and National Organizer of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians and a Deputy Director of the United Irish Societies of Cleveland. She received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from St. John College and retired from Nursing at University Hospitals of Cleveland.
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