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"There was a distinct caste system that has since about disappeared." (Video interview, Tape 2, 5:42).

   Jeanne M. Holm
Image of Jeanne M. Holm
Jeanne Holm, 2003
War: World War II, 1939-1946; Korean War, 1950-1955
Branch: Air Force
Unit: Headquarters
Service Location: Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia; Newton D. Baker General Hospital, West Virginia; Washington, DC; Germany; Italy; also: United States; Germany; Italy
Rank: Major General; Major General
Place of Birth: Portland, OR
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In 1942, a young Oregonian determined to serve in World War II was among the first women to enlist in the military. Starting out as an Army truck driver, Jeanne Holm soon became an officer and leader. At war's end her patriotic impulse turned into an Air Force career of more than 30 years. Holm wrote three books on women in the military, stories in which she played a major role thanks to her advocacy while on active duty and during her retirement.

Interview (Video)
»Interview Highlights  (13 clips)
»Complete Interview  (110 min.)
 Memoirs
»View List (3 items)
 Official Documents
»Department of the Air Force bio of Major General Holm
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»Life-Altering Moments
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»Voices of War
 Video (Interview Excerpts) (13 items)
Anticipating the effects of the ERA on government. (06:20) Her mentor helping her advance through the ranks. (05:20) Pushing for more opportunities for women. (09:05)
Equal pay for equal work for military women. (02:39) Working with Benjamin Davis. (03:24) First woman in the Air Command Staff College. (06:03)
War planning; her office in a secret compartment. (03:47) Joining the Air Force; postwar Germany. (09:03) How women organized their own units. (00:50)
"We felt like pioneers." (00:29) Pre-service days preparing her for the military. (03:33) Forecasting the roles of women in the military. (04:56)
Writing a history of women in the military. (05:39)  
  
 Memoirs (3 items)
Biography Jeanne M. Holm, Major General, USAF Ret. Major General Jeanne M. Holm Bio Information Jeanne M. Holm, Major General, USAF Ret. Timeline
  
 
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  The Library of Congress
  May 29, 2007
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