Honoring Lt. Col. Harriet M. Waddy: A Trailblazer at Fort Des Moines

As we approach the unveiling of the historic marker at Fort Des Moines, it's essential to recognize the remarkable individuals who trained and served there. Among them stands Lt. Col. Harriet M. Waddy, a pioneering African American woman whose military career broke barriers and paved the way for future generations.

Born Harriet M. Hardin on June 20, 1904, in Jefferson City, Missouri, Waddy was raised by her maternal grandmother after the early loss of her mother. She graduated from Kansas State College of Agriculture and Applied Science and, during the Great Depression, worked closely with civil rights leader Mary McLeod Bethune in the National Youth Administration’s Division of Negro Affairs.

In 1942, Waddy joined the newly formed Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) and entered officer candidate school at Fort Des Moines, Iowa. Her training there marked the beginning of a distinguished military career. She became one of only two African American women to attain the rank of major in the Women's Army Corps (WAC) during World War II and was later promoted to lieutenant colonel in 1948.

Waddy served as an aide to WAC director Col. Oveta Culp Hobby and was appointed as an advisor on racial issues within the Army. She advocated for the fair treatment of Black women in the military and worked to eliminate segregationist practices. During a visit to Fort Des Moines, she recommended removing references to "white" and "colored" from official memoranda, stating that such changes would foster a sense of progress toward democracy among African American personnel.

Her efforts extended beyond administrative reforms. Waddy traveled across the country, gathering information on the treatment of Black women in the WAC and reporting her findings to First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. She also used public platforms, including a 1943 radio broadcast, to encourage Black women to enlist, emphasizing that their participation was a contribution to realizing the ideals of democracy.

After retiring from the Army in 1952, Waddy continued her public service with the Federal Aviation Administration and remained active in community affairs. She passed away in 1999 at the age of 94, leaving behind a legacy of courage, advocacy, and dedication to equality.

Join Us in Honoring Lt. Col. Waddy and the Legacy of Fort Des Moines

We invite you to attend the unveiling of the historic marker at Fort Des Moines, commemorating the site's significance and the contributions of individuals like Lt. Col. Harriet M. Waddy.

📅 Date: June 14, 2025 📍 Location: Fort Des Moines Historic Site 🕘 Time: 1pm 📩 RSVP: https://www.naacpdesmoines.org/events-1/fort-des-moines-historic-marker-unveiling

Let's come together to honor the past and inspire future generations.