Dolly Matteson
Dolly Matteson
by Dustin Gibson, Steven Harkleroad, and Paige Stiles
We interviewed Dolly Matteson, who joined the Navy during World War II in October, 1943, and served through 1945. While women were not drafted, they could volunteer to serve in non-combat positions. Women who served in the Navy were known as “WAVES.” Though Ms. Matteson never went to sea, the service of all women volunteers was considered an important step for women in the armed services. Dolly told us that she faced insults and name calling just because she was a woman in the military. Given that treatment, we wondered whether or not she would have joined if she had it to do over. Ms. Matteson told us that, without a doubt, she would do it all again. When asked for her opinion on whether or not WWII was a just war, she said, “You have to look at it from both sides.”
Dolly was born in Pennsylvania, but now lives in Council Bluffs, Iowa. She told us that her reason for joining was a desire to serve her nation after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, in December of 1941. Dolly worked in the records office during the war and achieved the rank of Record Keeper Third Class.
In 2008 or 2009, Dolly took a trip to see the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. Trips are sponsored by the “Honor Flight” group that is trying to give recognition to WWII veterans by providing a trip to the memorial. It is located between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Monument. Ms. Matteson told us, “It was really gorgeous at night when all the lights were on.” She then explained that there are pillars going around the pool in the middle: "On each pillar there is a different state or country that helped the U.S. in the war." Ms. Matteson told us about structures that represent the war in the Pacific, where we were fighting the Japanese, and for the Atlantic, where we were fighting Germany and Italy.
She showed us pictures of her trip and the spectacular monument, but unfortunately we ran out of time. Our group thanks Ms. Dolly Matteson for her service to our nation and for taking the time to be interviewed for our article. She helped us to realize that it is important to remember and respect ALL of those who have served. But she and we, were satisfied by the time and information we exchanged. She was truly a great lady and patriot.
We interviewed Dolly Matteson, who joined the Navy during World War II in October, 1943, and served through 1945. While women were not drafted, they could volunteer to serve in non-combat positions. Women who served in the Navy were known as “WAVES.” Though Ms. Matteson never went to sea, the service of all women volunteers was considered an important step for women in the armed services. Dolly told us that she faced insults and name calling just because she was a woman in the military. Given that treatment, we wondered whether or not she would have joined if she had it to do over. Ms. Matteson told us that, without a doubt, she would do it all again. When asked for her opinion on whether or not WWII was a just war, she said, “You have to look at it from both sides.”
Dolly was born in Pennsylvania, but now lives in Council Bluffs, Iowa. She told us that her reason for joining was a desire to serve her nation after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, in December of 1941. Dolly worked in the records office during the war and achieved the rank of Record Keeper Third Class.
In 2008 or 2009, Dolly took a trip to see the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. Trips are sponsored by the “Honor Flight” group that is trying to give recognition to WWII veterans by providing a trip to the memorial. It is located between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Monument. Ms. Matteson told us, “It was really gorgeous at night when all the lights were on.” She then explained that there are pillars going around the pool in the middle: "On each pillar there is a different state or country that helped the U.S. in the war." Ms. Matteson told us about structures that represent the war in the Pacific, where we were fighting the Japanese, and for the Atlantic, where we were fighting Germany and Italy.
She showed us pictures of her trip and the spectacular monument, but unfortunately we ran out of time. Our group thanks Ms. Dolly Matteson for her service to our nation and for taking the time to be interviewed for our article. She helped us to realize that it is important to remember and respect ALL of those who have served. But she and we, were satisfied by the time and information we exchanged. She was truly a great lady and patriot.
Dustin Gibson, Dolly Matteson, Paige Stiles, Steven Harkleroad
