BACK HOME IN IOWA --Three of the first group of WAVES reporting for duty at the U.S. Naval air station at Ottumwa are native-born Iowans. In the above picture, Jesse L. Hudson, chief yeoman with 20 years of service in the navy is shown with, "giving the word" to the Iowans upon their arrival. The WAVES are Leta Steffen of Laurens, Thelma A. Gilbertson, Decorah and Roberta L. Meyer, Dubuque.
Source: The Globe-Gazette, June 7, 1943 (photo accompanying this article not copied-too dark)
Notes About N.E. Iowans in the Service
Miss Thelma Arline Gilbertson, yeoman second class, was recently discharged from the navy at Great Lakes, Ill. Before entering the service she was a secretary in the office of the local selective service board.
Source: The Courier, January 30, 1946
