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Mildred McDowell

Women’s Army Corps Corporal (Sep.) Mildred McDowell is the Air Force’s oldest female World War II veteran at the age of 103. A teacher for 14 years, she changed careers once she learned the military began accepting women during World War II. She enlisted in the Women’s Army Corps. After training, Mis. McDowell’s first assignment was at Roswell Army Airfield, New Mexico, where she packed parachutes. Later she worked in supply, issuing airplane parts. Discharged honorably in December 1945, she re-enlisted March 18, 1946. She later transferred into the United State Air Force. Assigned to Germany, she worked in the technical order library.

“I wanted to help,” she said. “I wasn’t thinking of women’s issues. I wanted to help (the war effort), travel and have interesting experiences.” Mildred McDowell never married or had children, but is surrounded by family with many surviving nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.