This is an authentic well-preserved 1943 WAAC enlisted uniform, from the United States Army Air Force Technical Training Command. (That's Women's Army Auxiliary Corps.) As was standard for enlisted soldiers, there is no name. It does include the owner's last initial and last 4 digits of her ID number. The pieces do have a number of holes or worn spots, but it's overall in excellent condition for being seventy years old. And, wonder of wonders, it fits. It's a size 16 by the label. In modern fashion I'm a 4-6 and in sewing patterns I'm a 12. [Click through for captions and details.]
The shoes are just black oxfords I had on hand. I believe tan was the color of choice; I'll keep my eyes out. I don't think I even need 1940's style foundation garments, given the weight of the jacket. The blouse is just slightly too tight in the collar and short in the sleeve, which is a shame because the detailing is exquisite. The bodice panels are gathered into the shoulder seams and there are waist darts.
I was considering replacing the lapel pins with SSR pins, though these insignia don't go on with clutch pins and thus swapping them out might damage the jacket. At any rate, have a couple photos of "Steph" picking up her shield in Howard's workshop and then getting shot at by Peggy.
The last photo shows me holding my granddad's service photo. I miss him. He never once talked about being in the military (Army Corps of Engineers) and I didn't find out until we pulled wedding photos for Granny's memorial service. I hope he wouldn't mind me wearing this.
I'm also tagging this "Carol Corps" and "Banshee Squadron" because this is their uniform, down to the year and the branch of service. I hope they wouldn't mind me wearing this, and I hope the original owner would be glad to see it worn instead of disintegrating on a shelf.
