Doris Dawson Bergquist oral history transcription, 1998

Bergquist, Doris Dawson, 1924-. Reminiscences of a WWII enlisted WAVE. Includes youth in Cranston, RI., High School graduation in 1943; Goal was to join the Navy; Enlisted in October 1944; Trained at USNTS (WR), Hunter College; Integration of her regiment; Response of women to integration; Attended Yeo­man School at Iowa State Teachers College, Cedar Falls, Iowa, classes; Opinion of training; As­ signed to NAS, Pensacola, Fla., in officer personnel; Social life; Friendships; Met celebrities Ted Williams, Averell Harriman and John N. Brown; Work was interesting; Well treated by officers and civilians; Separated from the Navy in 1947; Sadness at leaving; Medals received; Impact of na­val service on life; Attended WAVE reunions; Member of Ocean State WAVES and WAVES Na­tional; Proud to be a WAVE and felt she made a contribution to the war effort.