WWII uniforms display

illustrating women's role in the military

Karen Schaeffer, associate professor of fashion merchandising in textiles and consumer economics, arranges uniforms on display through Feb. 22 in Alison Hall West.

Women who served in the U.S. military during World War II are saluted in a special display of uniforms, "World War II–Women of Courage," on view through Feb. 22 in the second floor lobby and third floor display of Alison Hall West.

The free public display is sponsored by the Department of Consumer Studies. Karen Schaeffer, associate professor of fashion merchandising in textiles and consumer economics, said she had found several war uniforms, but they were all men's uniforms. She was able to find women's uniforms at the Historical Society of Delaware, which agreed to lend them to the University for the display.

"People always hear about the men who have served our country," she said, "I thought it would be interesting for people to see that women have played a major part as well."

Seven local women's uniforms are featured in the display, Schaeffer said, representing the Navy, Marines, Waves and the Red Cross Motor Corps. With each uniform, she said, there are backgrounds of the women and their varied contributions to the war effort. For example, one woman worked in decoding.

"It is important to know how each of these women represented our country and that women today are doing the same," Schaeffer said.