History Daily Saturday Matinee: People Hidden in History
May 24, 2025
Dive into the compelling stories of women who shaped history during World War II. Experience the journey of a Navy WAVES veteran through her granddaughter's lens and explore the impacts of isolation on ambition. Discover how curiosity and cultural experiences influenced a historical figure's life choices. Reflect on the emotional intricacies faced by mothers as their children enlisted, and honor the legacies of military service that bridge generations with poignant reflections and personal sacrifices.
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Gigi's Isolated Childhood
- Gigi grew up isolated on a farm in Rochester, NY, with seven much older siblings and no access to electricity or radio.
- She cherished her bicycle as her "ticket to freedom" to visit family and explore beyond her farm life.
Motivations to Join WAVES
- Gigi joined the Navy WAVES in 1944 attracted by the smart uniform and to avoid overseas deployment.
- She needed her father's initial reluctant permission before enlisting as an unmarried woman.
Gigi's Military Service and Training
- Gigi trained first at Hunter College then at the Naval Medical Center in Bethesda as hospital corps during WWII.
- She served at a full hospital in Shoemaker, California, treating Pacific Theater sailors and marines until 1946.