The Hello Girls

In 1918, the U.S. Army Signal Corps deployed 223 women to France as telephone operators during the Great War. These women swore Army oaths, wore uniforms, held military rank, and were subject to military justice, connecting over 26 million calls by the war's end. General John J. Pershing acknowledged their service, yet upon returning to the U.S., they were denied recognition as soldiers by the government.

For the next 60 years, these women fought for acknowledgment of their service. Their struggle culminated in 1977 when they finally gained recognition, aided by Sen. Barry Goldwater and Congresswoman Lindy Boggs. Unfortunately, by this time, only a few of the original operators were still alive to witness this victory. The Hello Girls serves as an important historical account of their contributions and the ongoing fight for gender equality in the military.