Series II. Women's Army Corps (WAC) service, circa 1941-1945, inclusive
New Testament of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, [circa 1941-1945], inclusive
Scope and Contents
Pocket Bible printed by the American Bible Society and designed for wartime use. With a preprinted message from Franklin D. Roosevelt "commending the reading of the Bible to all who serve in the armed forces of the United States." Grace Lillard's name, address, and nearest relative are recorded inside the front cover.
A Report on the WAC by Lieutenant George W. Casey, 1943 July 4
Scope and Contents
Casey was chaplain of the Second WAC Training Center.
American Red Cross Map of Paris, 1944, inclusive
Triplicate Authorization of Class B Allotment for Purchase of War Savings Bonds, 1944 [June?], inclusive
Scope and Contents
Made out in the name of Grace A. Lillard, "T/5 WAC Det Boston AAA Reg," listing her sister, Louise Lillard, as co-owner of a $50.00 bond.
Correspondence, 1944-1945, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Letters and some ephemera sent home to her parents and sisters by Grace A. Lillard when stationed in England, France, and Germany, during her WAC service. In her final letter, dated 16 September 1945 and sent from Washington, D.C., she is "walking on air" because she became a "free woman" on the previous Friday. "It is a grand feeling being a civilian again -- in Louise's [her sister's] clothes." Includes an additional letter (September 1945), from Grace Lillard's sister, Lena Parker, to their mother, regarding Grace's return to civilian life. With two undated German postcards, one showing Heidelberg, and the other Hirschhorn (Neckar), a health resort.
"This is Your Story! An Account of the WAC Detachment 1st Tactical Air Force (Prov.)", 1945, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Prepared by T/5 Grace A. Lillard, printed Ansbach, Germany, 1945. A 9-page typescript account of Lillard's induction (March 1944), ship transport to Europe (May 1944), experiences in England (May-August 1944), France (August 1944-May 1945), and Germany (May 1945). Includes a roster of her fellow members of the WAC Detachment 1st Tactical Air Force (Provisional).
Conditions Governing Access
This item is in fragile condition. Researchers should consult the transcription provided in Box 1, Folder 21.
"This is Your Story!" [transcription], 1945, inclusive
Scrapbook, 1943-1945, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Scrapbook documenting Grace A. Lillard's time in the Women's Army Corps (WACs). Includes letters, official orders, ephemera, tickets, programs, newspaper clippings, maps, receipts, and many photographs of Lillard and her colleagues in Boston, New York, England, France, Germany, and upon their return to the United States. Most images are labeled and/or dated, especially shots of the group Lillard refers to as the "Holy Family," which included Lillard, Margaret Blasko, Nelda Little, Adele Luderowski, Mary E. Gerchman, and Helen D. Kosakowski. The "Holy Family" nickname probably came from a similarly-named room in the Villa Finck, in Vittel, France, which had previously been used as a school by nuns, but which quartered the WACs between October 1944 and May 1945.