Dorothy M. Miller Collection

Dorothy M. Miller and fellow WACs
Dorothy M. Miller (far right) poses with two fellow WACs in 1945.
Oral history interview with Dorothy May Miller
Documents Dorothy May Miller's childhood in Florida; her military service during World War II; and her personal life after the war. Miller discusses her family history and her early life in Florida, growing up poor and in a segregated community with a single mother. She also remembers her decision to join the WAAC and her family's reaction to her enlistment. " Miller describes arriving in the North for basic training; the cold weather; rules for dating and socializing; the change from the WAAC to WAC; and having to do advanced basic training. She provides a detailed description of Camp Forrest, including the barracks; her work as a medical technician in the operating room and the types of surgeries performed; German prisoners of war cleaning the hospital; and her uniforms. She describes her transfer to Fort Benning; working as a mail clerk; and escorting a female soldier to her court-martial. Other topics include her social life; going to church; and having meals with local families. " Miller also comments at length on segregation: serving in segregated units in the military and with black female officers; several incidents of racial discrimination; and respect for the military. " Personal topics include her adjustment to civilian life; her first husband; going to school; meeting her second husband; making African American dolls and sewing clothing for children; and her involvement in veterans' organizations