A Big Day for the WAVES -- 15 Iowa Girls Join
Monday was a big day for girls to join the WAVES as 15 Iowa girls took the oath and received their orders for training at the old federal building. The girls are (left to right, seated): Marjorie Drayton, Algona; Betty George, Clare; Evelyn Johnson, Fort Dodge; (second row, seated) Winifred Plumb, Algona; June Gray, Belmond; and June Steadman, 2801 Westover blvd.; (standing) Veleta Richards, Burlington; Beatrice Longworth, 3315 Seventh st.; Betty Carlisle, Burlington; Phyllis Robinson, Shelby; Mabel Lindstrom, Fort Dodge; Betty Bruns, Mason City; Loretta Peterson, Fort Dodge; Lucille Kuecker, Algona; (in fur coat) Betty Doyle, 3519 Crocker st.
Source: The DesMoines Register, December 28, 1943 (photo included)
Marine Pilot Flew 40 Missions in Pacific
A 22-year-old Des Moines marine captain, credited with direct bomb hits that sank two Japanese barges in Simpson Harbor at Rabual, is visiting his parents. Capt Robert L. Duff, son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis L. Duff, 3915 E 14th was awarded a presidential citation and a commendation medal from Admiral William Halsey.
[Excerpt]
The brown haired marine pilot wasn't anxious to discuss his exploits in the Japanese battle zone, but was willing to talk of his fiancee, Betty Doyle of the WAVES, also of Des Moines.
Miss Doyle is a mail specialist, third class, and is assigned to the fleet post office in San Francisco, Cal. They plan to be married as soon as the world settles back to normal, Captain Duff said.
Source: The DesMoines Tribune, September 4, 1944
