The Library of Congress Veterans History Project Home 
Experiencing War: Stories from the Veterans History Project
Home » Jeanne M. Holm
 

"There was a distinct caste system that has since about disappeared." (Video interview, Tape 2, 5:42).

{ align: 'left' }
   Jeanne M. Holm
Image of Jeanne M. Holm
Jeanne Holm, 2003
War: World War, 1939-1945; Cold War
Branch: WAC (Women's Army Corps); Air Force
Unit: Headquarters; 106th WAC Hospital Company; Women's Army Corps (WAC) Training Center, Fort Oglethorpe; 7200th Air Force Depot Wing; 85th Air Depot Wing; Allied Air Forces Southern Europe (AIRSOUTH); Director of Women in the Air Force (WAF)
Service Location: Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia; Newton D. Baker General Hospital, West Virginia; Washington, DC; Germany; Italy; also: United States; Germany; Italy
Rank: Major General
Place of Birth: OR
View Full Description

In 1942, a young Oregonian determined to serve in World War II was among the first women to enlist in the military. Starting out as an Army truck driver, Jeanne Holm soon became an officer and leader. At war's end her patriotic impulse turned into an Air Force career of more than 30 years. Holm wrote three books on women in the military, stories in which she played a major role thanks to her advocacy while on active duty and during her retirement.

Interview (Video)
»Interview Highlights  (13 clips)
»Complete Interview  (110 min.)
»Transcript
 Memoirs
»View List (3 items)
 Official Documents
»Department of the Air Force bio of Major General Holm
More like this
»Life-Altering Moments
»Women
»Voices of War
 Video (Interview Excerpts) (13 items)
Anticipating the effects of the ERA on government. (06:20) Her mentor helping her advance through the ranks. (05:20) Pushing for more opportunities for women. (09:05)
Equal pay for equal work for military women. (02:39) Working with Benjamin Davis. (03:24) First woman in the Air Command Staff College. (06:03)
War planning; her office in a secret compartment. (03:47) Joining the Air Force; postwar Germany. (09:03) How women organized their own units. (00:50)
"We felt like pioneers." (00:29) Pre-service days preparing her for the military. (03:33) Forecasting the roles of women in the military. (04:56)
Writing a history of women in the military. (05:39)  
  
 Memoirs (3 items)
Biography Jeanne M. Holm, Major General, USAF Ret. Major General Jeanne M. Holm Bio Information Jeanne M. Holm, Major General, USAF Ret. Timeline
  
 
Home » Jeanne M. Holm
  The Library of Congress  >> American Folklife Center
  October 26, 2011
  Legal | External Link Disclaimer Need Help?   
Contact Us