Florence Bevins and Phyllis Jung Collection

Digitization of this collection is still in progress.

15 letters written to Shirlie Montgomery in 1943 by her friends Phyllis Jung and Florence Bevins who were both serving in the United States Women's Army Corps (WAC) during World War II. Phyllis Jung's letters describe her work and social life with the 151st WAAC Tech Company and later with WAC recruiting in Washington, D.C. Florence Bevins first letter, postmarked March, 1943, was written the day after she finished basic at Daytona Beach Her letters detail WAC life, with descriptions of her training, being “Queen of the Latrine” at Camp Polk, K.P. Duty, learning judo, and more.

Florence Bevins did her basic training at Daytona Beach, Florida, and was first assigned Fort Polk Louisiana. She was later transferred to the 74 WAAC Headquarters Company, 2nd separate WAAC Battalion at the 4th WAAC Training Center in Fort Devens, Massachusetts. In 1944, she was attached to the 305th General Hospital in France, and then finally transferred to the Philippines in late 1945. Phyllis Jung was stationed with the 151st WAAC Tech Company and later with WAC recruiting in Washington, D.C. Shirlie Montgomery was a professional photographer who lived in San Jose, California her entire life. The letters mention Montgomery sending pictures or developing negatives, and a few mention her desire to join the WAC. As she was unable to pass a physical, she never entered the service. Montgomery got her start in the 1930s at the DeAnza Hotel, producing prints for the hotel's photographer. When that photographer quit, she took over the position, ultimately becoming known for her wrestling photography. She also did freelance work for the San Francisco Examiner and the Mercury News.

Women's History
Military

Army -- WAAC
Army -- WAC

World War II era (1940-1946)

World War, 1939-1945
United States. Army--Women

Martha Blakeney Hodges Special Collections and University Archives, UNCG University Libraries