Contributed by an individual through Westport Island History Committee
Description
Private Vera Cleaves, Women's Army Corps (WAC) was assigned to the "Wings of West Point," at Stewart's Field, Newburgh, New York. At Stewart's Field, Cleaves instructed 123 fellow WAC's in physical fitness and training. She also learned to fly the Army's AT-6 as part of her training to teach coursework in flight instrumentation to U.S. army aviation recruits and West Point cadets. Cleaves served for the duration of WWII.
Although she said many women in WWII had difficulty coping with the rigors of army life, Cleaves credits her success to the Girl Scouts and camping on Westport Island. At age eight, Vera started camping with her grandparents at their camp on Westport Island overlooking the Sasanoa River.
Westport was a mainstay in her life; she later retired there after 45 years as an educator in New York, Philadelphia, Massachusetts and Maine.
About This Item
- Title: Vera Cleaves, Women's Army Corps, West Point, NY, 1943
- Creation Date: 1943
- Subject Date: 1943
-
Locations:
- Newburgh, Orange County, NY
- Westport Island, Lincoln County, ME
- Media: Photographic print
- Dimensions: 8.5 cm x 5.25 cm
- Local Code: CleavesVera.Photo.2.1943
- Collection: Vera Cleaves Family Collection
- Object Type: Image
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- United States. Army. Women's Army Corps
- Veterans--Maine--Westport Island
- West Point (Military academy)
- Westport Island (Me.)
- Women--Military service
- World War, 1939-1945--Military personnel
People
Other Keywords
For more information about this item, contact:
Westport Island History Committee6 Fowles Point Road, Westport Island, ME 04578
(207) 882-8477
Website
This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. No Permission is required to use the low-resolution watermarked image for educational use, or as allowed by the applicable copyright. For all other uses, permission is required.
More to Consider
My Maine Story
Learning to fly and instructing cadets at West Point during WWII
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