Polk County

 
Sgt. Shirley Simpson

 

 

 

 

THEY'RE MARINES

These four Des Moines women are now on active duty with the marines at the marine office here. Later, they will be sent to Hunter college in New York City for their regular training. The new members of the marine women's reserves are Ruth Richards (left), 1085 Twenty-sixth st; Joann Rae (right), 4107 Ovid sty., Betty Lou Edgington (top) 2815 Hickman road and Shirley Simpson, 4308 Ovid st.

Source: The DesMoines Tribune, March 3, 1943 (photo included)

Vanguard of a group of women marines expected to attend the charter presentation and installation of officers of the Sioux detachment, Marines Corps league, Monday evening at the Mayfair hotel are Sergeant Shirley Simpson (left) and Sergeant Joann Rae, who arrived here Wednesday from Des Moines. Sergeant Rae was born in Sioux City 20 years ago and lived here until she was 5 years old.

Source: The Sioux City Journal, August 5, 1943 (photo included)

MARINES HERE -- Guests in the L.L. Steele home, 3050 Valley drive, are Sergeant Joann Rae, left, and Sergeant Shirley Simpson, United States marines, both of Des Moines. Sergeant Rae, a cousin if Mrs. Steele, is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R.F. Rae of Des Moines, former Sioux City residents. Sergeant Simpson's husband is stationed with the army air forces in Australia.

Source: The Sioux City Journal, August 8, 1943 (photo included)

ON BENCH TO JUDGE RECRUITS

Three judges of women marine corps recruits occupy "the bench" in Room 303 old federal building where, years ago, federal judges meted out justice. Two Des Moines women sergeants, Shirley Simpson (left) and Joann Rae flank First Sergt. Cal Reid of Bremen, Ga., as they look over the law - naturally the regulations of discipline in the marines. Having quarter in the spacious former courtroom, the marine corps procurement office for Iowa, Nebraska and Wyoming is said to be the most distinctive of 19 such offices in the nation.

Source: The DesMoines Tribune, August 12, 1943 (photo included)