Bermingham, Pamela

Description

Pamela Crow Bermingham

Pamela Crow Bermingham was born on April 9, 1920, in Clinton, New York, to Grace N. Crow, age 30, and Rutlege Bermingham, age 27. She had three brothers Rutledge, Eldridge and William. In Rye her family lived on Pine Island. Pamela attended Rye Country Day School, and was graduated from St. Margaret’s School and Wells College.

Pamela served as an officer in the U.S. Navy (WAVES) during World War II. (See Muster Rolls)

Pamela Bermingham Ensign

Pamela Bermingham, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Rutledge Bermingham, has been commissioned an ensign in
the U. S. N. R. and assigned to active duty. She is a graduate of Wells College.


PAGE TWO THE RYE CHRONICLE Friday, May 21, 1943

The WAVES served in 900 shore stations in the continental United States. Initially, they were prohibited from serving on ships or outside of the country. In September 1944, the Congress amended the law by allowing the WAVES to volunteer for service in the territories of Alaska and Hawaii. Hawaii was the only overseas station staffed with the WAVES on a permanent basis.

The officers were employed in such professions as doctors, attorneys, engineers, mathematicians, and chaplains.

Most enlisted WAVES worked in jobs traditionally performed by women, such as clerical work, health care, or storekeeping. A few took over jobs typically held by men, in occupations like aviation machinists, aviation metalsmiths, parachute riggers, control tower operators, radio operators, yeomen, or statisticians.

Pamela was released from over three years duty in March, 1947.

Pamela , former WAVES lieutenant, married Ralph Arthur Nichols on May 3, 1947, in Rye, New York. She had three children during her marriage. The family lived in Stamford, CT where Pamela spent her life dedicated as a housewife and a mother.