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Writer's pictureDigital Staff

Veteran of the Week: Zola Schumacher

Served in WAAC during WWII

(BATESVILLE, Ind.) – American women did more than just send their boys off to war during World War II. They made significant contributions both at home and in uniform.


Preparing for potential manpower shortages, Congress established the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) in 1942.


It was converted to active duty status in the Army in July 1943, and for the first time, females were entitled to the same rights and benefits of their male counterparts.


For Batesville native Zola Schumacher, it meant she was on the forefront of history as being among the first women other than nurses to serve in the U.S. Army.


Schumacher enlisted in the WAAC in 1943 and she was pictured in the Cincinnati Times-Star newspaper during her swearing-in ceremony.


She served stateside during the war, working in mailrooms which freed up men to fight. While most WAAC's served in the United States during WWII, others went overseas including the women who landed in Normandy just weeks after D-Day.


General Dwight D. Eisenhower said, “The contribution of the women of America, whether on the farm or in the factory or in uniform, to D-Day was a sine qua non of the invasion effort.”

The daughter of former Mayor George Schumacher achieved the rank of Captain before her honorable discharge in 1946.


After the military, Cpt. Schumacher worked many years in Indianapolis before retiring from Romweber Furniture.

 

WANT TO NOMINATE A LOCAL VETERAN?

Each week we feature a Veteran of the Week in Southeast Indiana. This is sponsored by StoneBridge Trucking in Greensburg. Click here to learn about the Veteran-owned and Veteran-driven company.

HOW TO NOMINATE: Send an email to news@812now.com with the following information:

  • A picture(s) of the Veteran

  • Name, location and service branch of the Veteran

  • Why are you nominating this Veteran

  • Tell us about the Veteran (military and non-military life)

  • Your name and phone number

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