Women At War
Women graduates of Vanderbilt also contributed significantly to the war effort, serving in the military and providing moral support for the troops.
Polly Ann Billington Roulhac, a 1939 graduate, served with the Red Cross
in England and North Africa.
[Polly Ann Billington Roulhac Collection]
Dinah Shore, 1938 graduate and popular singer and actress, toured England
and France with the USO. On a number of occasions, she performed within 2,000
yards of the front lines. This photo of Ms. Shore shows her sporting several
souvenirs of her adventures, given to her by grateful servicemen.
[Vanderbilt Alumnus Magazine, September 1944]
Lt. Col. Elizabeth Strayhorne, a 1924 graduate, served in the Women's Army
Corp during the war. She was awarded the Legion of Merit for her service as
Commandant of the Third WAC Training Center in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia. At
the time of her appointment, she was the only woman ever promoted to this
rank.
[Vanderbilt Alumnus Magazine, March 1946]