James Theres, 2018

In 1918, the U.S. Army Signal Corps sent 223 women to France as telephone operators to help win the Great War. They swore Army oaths, wore uniforms, held rank, and were subject to military justice. By war’s end, they had connected over 26 million calls and were recognized by General John J. Pershing for their service. When they returned home, the U.S. government told them they were never soldiers. For 60 years, they fought their own government for recognition. This documentary tells the story of "The Hello Girls" as they came to be known, featuring rare 100-year old film footage of America’s first female soldiers courtesy of the National Archives and never-before-seen photos from family archives.

55 minutes


Offered in conjunction with the World War I & the Copper Country film series.
Rozsa