Garland, Edwina D.

Description

Edwina D. Garland was born December 1, 1913 in Rye, New York, her father, Joseph, was 42, and her mother, Margaret, was 44. She was raised and was a graduate of Rye schools. In Rye her family lived at 218 Railroad Avenue and were members of the Church of the Resurrection.

Edwina enlisted April 1, 1943 and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. She served with The Women’s Army Corps (WAC) in the Motor Transport Corps

The Women’s Army Corps (WAC) was the women’s branch of the United States Army. It was created as an auxiliary unit, the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) on 15 May 1942 and converted to an active duty status in the Army of the United States as the WAC on 1 July 1943.

During World War II, approximately 7% of the 150,000 Women’s Army Corps (WAC) members were assigned to the Motor Transport Corps, serving as drivers and mechanics to support Allied logistics. Known as “WACs on Wheels,” they operated trucks, jeeps, and ambulances, filling critical roles that allowed men to serve in combat.

Those 150,000 women who did serve released the equivalent of 7 divisions of men for combat. Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower said that “their contributions in efficiency, skill, spirit and determination are immeasurable”.

Announcement is made of the marriage of Private Edwina D. Garland, WAC daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph E. Garland of Rye, N.Y., and Corporal Floyd W. Woods, son of Mrs. Alice Franklin of this city. The wedding took place Feb. 5 , 1944 in San Angelo, Tex., in the rectory of St. Agnes Catholic Church, with the Rev. Father Hesseman officiating. The bride is stationed at Fort Benjamin Harrison, and Corporal Woods is stationed at Goodfellow field, Texas, where he is with the Army Air Corps.

“Edwina Garland Woods wrote us from the hospital where she was a patient. She’s in the Motor Transport Corps and likes the work in spite of long hours. No, Edwina, we don’t forget the folks who have gone .”
April 21, 1944 THE RYE CHRONICLE PAGE NINE

Edwina D. Garland December 19, 1993 at the age of 80.