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When reflecting upon World War II history, the names of soldiers who fought on the frontlines are immortalized in monuments and memorials across our nation. Yet, there were contributions made by countless others, who served with equal dedication and courage in supporting roles that are often overlooked.
One such unsung hero is Dollie Bossler, a Yeoman First Class in the United States Coast Guard during World War II. Her story is a testament to the vital role women played in the war effort and their relentless determination to serve their country in whatever capacity they could when they were called to action.
Bossler was just like many young women of her generation who were full of ambition, hopes, and a fierce sense of patriotism to serve their country. With the world encompassed in one of the largest conflicts in human history, she felt a strong pull to do her part.
In 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the law that created the Women's Reserve of the U.S. Coast Guard, known as the SPARS (derived from the Coast Guard motto "Semper Paratus," meaning "Always Ready"). This initiative opened up unprecedented opportunities for women to serve in non-combat roles within the military across the United States of America.
Like many women at the time, Bossler faced societal expectations that discouraged women from pursuing military service. With both of her brothers serving in the Navy, she knew her contribution could make a difference, so she attended bootcamp in 1943 and trained to become a yeoman—a clerical position that was crucial in maintaining the efficiency of military operations.
As a yeoman, her responsibilities were far from glamorous but indispensable to the service.
Her official duties revolved around handling classified information, maintaining service records, processing reports, and managing administrative tasks essential to the functioning of the Coast Guard. These tasks ensured that the U.S. military machine continued to operate efficiently and smoothly. In many ways, the yeomen were the backbone of the administrative side of the war effort.
She recalled on numerous occasions that after completing her official tasks, she would go to other Coast Guard service members in her free time and make sure to get their letters sent back home to their families. She remembers sending notes off to mothers, wives, family members, and friends of other Coast Guard members that were thousands of miles away from their home state.
Bossler’s meticulous attention to detail and dedication amongst her peers earned her respect among those who worked alongside her and her superiors.
The war was a busy time for everyone involved, and the sheer volume of paperwork, orders, and coordination that had to flow through the military's ranks required precision and efficiency by those handling such important paperwork. Every decision made on the battlefield often depended on the hard work of service members like Dollie Bossler who ensured that essential information was accurate and delivered on time.
Dollie Bossler’s career with the Coast Guard is a reminder of the countless women who answered their country’s call to serve, breaking through barriers and redefining women’s roles in the military. Though Bossler, like many of her fellow peers during this time, was not hailed as a war hero, her service as a yeoman placed her on the frontline of the war effort in a different yet vital way. Her service as part of the SPARS helped pave the way for future generations of women in the military.
Today's female service members stand on the shoulders of pioneers like Bossler and her story is one of quiet heroism that highlights not only her dedication to duty but her dedication to serve her country in a time of need that went beyond the battlefield.
Eighty-one years after Bossler’s enlistment into the Coast Guard, a group of active-duty Coast Guard women from District 5 had the honor of meeting and speaking with her. During the visit, Bossler was presented with commemorative coins, patches, and a blanket as a symbol of appreciation for her service, not only from those in attendance but on behalf of all women in service. The gathering was filled with shared memories, laughter, and heartfelt moments that will ensure Bossler’s legacy endures for years to come.