The Korean War / The Vietnam War

While women during WWII and initially following saw an expansion of their allotted roles and opportunities both in and out of the military, this was not seen during the Korean War with women’s military roles primarily limited to nursing. Women continued to serve, however restrictions placed on female enlistment by the Integration Act limited the number of females to two percent for each branch of the military. Discharges and limitations contributed to a shortage of personal once the United States began sending troops to Korea, sparking the need for recruitment campaigns. The government’s efforts to increase female participation was based on the belief that women would once again answer the call as they did in previous conflicts. Adding to the shortage, recruitment for women did not begin until nearly one year after the United States became involved. Recruitment was also hindered by accusations regarding the sexual preference of women in the service and the negative outlook propaganda towards their participation.

Much like the Korean war, women who served in Vietnam were not formerly trained to use weapons. Yet, they were near combat zones, under hostile fire, and experienced stressors and exposures of war much like their male counterparts. Additionally, they faced shame, sexual harassment and assault, stereotype attacks, and scrutiny with punishments that outreached that of their male counterparts. If a female was to become pregnant, she was given a dishonorable discharge and sent home with the man involved barely questioned if at all.

Natalie Walker, "The Women's Armed Services Integration Act." Truman Library Institute. (March 1.2021) https://www.trumanlibraryinstitute.org/truman-and-womens-rights/.