Women also served in the US Navy during WW2, in the female naval organization created in July 1942 known as the “WAVES”, as nurses, clerical staff, and in other capacities to free men for combat. They were universally respected by their male counterparts, and issued their own specially designed blue wool service dress uniform. This US Navy WW2 WAVES Officer Badged Blue Wool Service Dress Uniform is in Very Good condition, with a stitched name tag having been removed from the inside neck of the jacket, some tearing to the upper back lining of that jacket, and with some scattered age wear evident. Most interestingly, the jacket boasts ribbons for the American Defense Medal (it’s unlikely that a WAVE could’ve earned this award, as it was only awarded to US service members who were in the military before Pearl Harbor, so perhaps it was gifted to her by a sweetheart), American Campaign Medal, European African Middle East Campaign Medal with two “battle stars”, and WW2 Victory Medal at the left chest, gray officer’s cuff braiding for the rank of Lieutenant, gilt brass “Navy eagle” front buttons, “anchor and propeller” embroidered on dark navy felt WAVES insignia at the collar, and the original “handmacher” tailor’s label inside. The skirt is crafted of the same navy blue wool as the jacket, and carries a plastic button and brass zipper closure at the left side. One of the best pieces in the grouping is the Officer’s Cap, Size 21 1/2, with a beautiful Navy Officer’s emblem at front, a blue and white “seersucker” derby hat style crown (this hat is actually mismatched for the uniform, and should be worn with the matching seersucker summer service dress, but nonetheless, it’s included), and the original “George Brunssen / NEW YORK” tailor’s label inside. The grouping also features a pair of 1940s private purchase black leather oxford shoes; these are not military issue, but could’ve easily been privately purchased, as their was an entire industry to cater to both male and female service members during that time. The group is rounded out with a few ancillary pieces, namely a clip-on black dress tie, a pair of white dress gloves, and a post-war white cotton female naval shirt that’s really unrelated to the rest of the grouping. A fine example of a rare, original US Navy WW2 WAVES Officer Badged Blue Wool Service Dress Uniform.
Uniforms