On June 15, 1943, Lieutenant Mary C. Kinyon and 12 enlisted women of the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAACs) arrive at Paine Field Air Force Base near Everett. Designated as Squadron W, they take up residence in barracks just outside the south-end gates of the field.
WACs at Paine Field
The first WAACs to arrive at Paine were a part of the Women’s Army Auxiliary. In August of 1943, the WAAC became part of the regular Army and Squadron W was expanded to 45 women. The first arrivals worked as assistants in the base’s mess hall and hangar supply depot, clerks in various departments, beauty parlor operators, and dental assistants. But as the number of women soldiers grew at the Paine Field Air Force Base, new positions opened and women served as mechanics, truck drivers, instructors, air inspectors, projectionists, control tower operators, historians, secretaries, and photo assistants. A few became administrators.
Three years after their arrival, a special issue of the Ace Pursuiter, a Paine Field newspaper, honored the WAACs serving there. In three years, seven of the 12 originally assigned to Paine were still on base. A dozen had married and three had become mothers; several had been married before their assignment to Paine Field; five had been honorably discharged and seven were serving overseas, including Lt. Kinyon who, in May 1945, had been sent to France.
Proud Accomplishments
The anniversary issue of the Ace Pursuiter was dedicated to Squadron W. Congratulations were given by Colonel Leslie P. Holcomb who wrote:
“I believe that with three years of unquestionable service behind them, the entire army can well be proud of the accomplishments of our women. Their record has proved, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that American women have been able to step into the job and do it with the highest degree of skill and satisfaction. It is therefore my pleasure at this time to salute the WACs of Paine Field” (Holcomb).
The third anniversary ceremonies honoring the women included radio interviews heard on Everett station KRKO and a dance held at the Everett USO, with the Sixty-Third Triple A Orchestra from Seattle providing the music.
