Women also served in the US Navy during WW2, in the female naval organization created in July 1942 known as the “WAVES”, as nurses, pharmacist mates, clerical staff, and in other capacities to free men for combat. Navy Chief Pharmacist Mates of WW2, whether male or female, provided vital medical care to wounded US Navy sailors and US Marines aboard hospital ships, but, since they were enlisted sailors rather than officers, that was done at the direction of the medical officer. This US Navy Post-WW2 Women’s Chief Pharmacist Mate CPO Badged White Summer Service Dress Uniform is in Good condition, with moderate scattered “browning” to the jacket and skirt, some dark soiling at the lower middle left back of the jacket, a broken left waist zipper on the skirt, some “browning” to the front crown of the hat (though it’s usually not seen because it’s normally covered by the hatband and insignia), and with some overall age wear evident. Most interestingly, the jacket boasts gilt brass “Navy eagle” front buttons, a dark blue, almost black embroidered on white Chief Pharmacist Mate rate at the left sleeve (the caduceus rather than red cross on the rate was adopted in 1948), and a block of 3 dark blue, almost black embroidered on white “service stripes” at the left cuff. The female Chief Pharmacist Mate who wore this uniform was almost certainly a WW2 veteran, and this uniform is a testament to the contribution to the war effort of American women during the 1940s; they certainly comprised their own half of the “greatest generation”. The skirt is crafted of the same lightweight white cotton/wool blend as the jacket, carries a plastic button and broken, non-functional brass zipper closure at the left side, and is stamped with the name “BARBARA-J-VELT” on the interior waistband; the same name is hand marked on the late 1940s “MANUFACTURED FOR / NAVAL CLOTHING DEPOT” contract tag inside. The best piece in the grouping is the US Navy WW2 WAVES Officer’s White Dress Cap (this hat is actually mismatched for the uniform, as it’s an officer’s piece while the other two are for a CPO, but nonetheless, it’s included), Size 23, with a beautiful Navy Officer’s emblem at front, a white derby hat style crown, and both of the original “W.A.V.E.S.” contract tags on the crisp, clean lining. The set is a fine example of a rare, original US Navy Post-WW2 Women’s Chief Pharmacist Mate CPO Badged White Summer Service Dress Uniform.
Uniforms