Helen Walsh was born in MacGregor, Iowa in 1914. After graduating from high school in 1934, Walsh attended Midland Linotype School in Charles City, Iowa. Prior to joining the service, Walsh worked as a linotype operator in Morning Sun and Floyd, Iowa, and eventually in Fernandina Beach, Florida. Walsh volunteered for the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps in October 1942 at Camp Blanding, Florida. After basic training in Des Moines, Idaho, Walsh worked in radar communications at Norfolk, Virginia.
She received further training at Camp Polk, Louisiana and Fort Devens, Massachusetts from March to August 1943. Walsh was stationed in Oran, Algeria from August 1943 to July 1944, working as an artificer. Walsh was stationed in Italy and France as well before being discharged in 1945. Before leaving the army, Walsh received a promotion to the rank of Sergeant.
View the Finding Aid for the Helen Walsh collection here.
Helen Elizabeth Walsh Collection
7.25” x 4”
Recruiting pamphlet for the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC), approximately 1942 – 1943. This pamphlet explains the necessary qualifications for women interested in joining the army, as well as the different jobs available.
Helen Elizabeth Walsh Collection
1.5” x 2.5”
Newspaper clipping announcing Walsh’s enlistment in the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) at Fort Des Moines, Iowa in 1942. Almost one year after Walsh joined the army, the WAAC was converted to the Women’s Army Corps (WAC), fully incorporating women’s service into the army.
Helen Elizabeth Walsh Collection
2.5” x 3.5”
Photograph of three WACs arriving at Camp Polk, Louisiana, 1943.
Helen Elizabeth Walsh Collection
2.5” x 3.5”
Photograph of WACs at Camp Polk, Louisiana, 1943.
Helen Elizabeth Walsh Collection
8” x 10”
Photograph of WACs at Norfolk Academy, approximately 1942 – 1945. Walsh trained in radiography at Norfolk before receiving orders overseas to Oran, Algeria.
Helen Elizabeth Walsh Collection
10.5” x 8”
Qualifications for Officer’s Candidate School, March 6, 1943. This document lists Walsh’s education and prior experience.
Helen Elizabeth Walsh Collection
5” x 3.5”
Photograph of Helen Walsh in Oran, Algeria, May 1944. Walsh arrived in Oran, Algeria in August 1943, where she worked as an artificer. As an artificer, Walsh made repairs on personal belongings and equipment for the camp and had her own workshop, where she is pictured in this photograph.
Helen Elizabeth Walsh Collection
8”10"
Newspaper article written about Helen Walsh and her role in the WAAC, featuring a photograph of Walsh at work in her workshop.
Helen Elizabeth Walsh Collection
4” x 5”
Photograph is of a WAAC basketball team in Oran, Algeria. Walsh is in the center of the first row, kneeling with a basketball. Throughout the war, servicewomen formed close bonds and friendships in work and play.
Helen Elizabeth Walsh Collection
3.5” x 2.5”
From July to November 1944, Walsh was stationed in Caserta, Italy. This photograph depicts a sign in Cassino warning drivers not to stop or stray from the road to avoid danger from land mines.
Helen Elizabeth Walsh Collection
2.75” x 2.75”
Photograph of Walsh with friends on a trip to Capri, Italy, 1944. Walsh in center, looking down at a camera.
Helen Elizabeth Walsh Collection
2.5” x 4.25”
Photograph of Walsh with friends on a trip to Capri, Italy, 1944. Walsh is third from left.
Helen Elizabeth Walsh Collection
3.25” x 5.25”
Photograph of Helen Walsh with three unnamed women, approximately 1942 – 1945. Walsh is third from left.
