Did women serve in the WWII Merchant Marine?
Before the outbreak of WWII, women served as stewardesses, hairdressers and similar positions on passenger ships, but lost their jobs when the government took over the ships. In a letter to President Roosevelt, Betty Jackson said: “We are not afraid of the dangers.” Her request was turned down, but official records show that 3 women were awarded the merchant marine combat bar after their ships were torpedoed and 4 women were POWs. Today women serve in all positions, including Master and Chief Engineer.
