President Roosevelt said, "In some communities, employers dislike to hire women . . . We can no longer afford to indulge such prejudice (Plaza)." Most United States leaders realized that it would be necessary that they break the social norms of that time. The U.S. could not afford to leave anyone out of the war effort based solely on gender. Women began to step outside of their box of domestic, secretarial, and clerical jobs into more significant roles (Plaza). Single mothers and black women who had been in the work force for quite a while were anxious to leave the Laundromats and kitchens for shipyards and aircraft factories where they would make significantly more money (Plaza). Women often needed the good money that came with working in defense plants (Weatherford 36). When men left their jobs, earning wages of a private, the financial responsibilities such as meeting mortgage, taking care of elderly parents, and providing for children, were dumped on the women. Many women were not attracted to defense labor for economical purposes, but instead a feeling of patriotism (Plaza). As the war industry suffered increasing labor shortages, women were practically attacked with patriotic propaganda. Women had already proven themselves worthy during World War I when thirteen thousand women served as their brothers' equals in the Navy and Marines. Therefore, it seemed only obvious that women should do their part in the military again during the Second World War After much arguing and debate in congress, a bill was passed allowing several branches of the armed forces to open their ranks to women (Plaza).
             The Army Nurse Corps, or ANC, was established in 1901, making it the oldest female branch of all military services in the United States (Holm 9). The ANC grew like never before after the attack on Pearl Harbor. In order to meet the needs of total war, over 57,000 Army nurses joined the Corps. ADD MORE!!!! Through the heroism ...