Auxiliaries Dorothy M. Rum, formerly of 853 Eighteenth st., Fern E. La Fler, formerly of 2444 E. Walnut St., and Merle L. Dahl, formerly of 147 Broadway place, have completed basic training at the WAAC training center, Fort Des Moines. They have been selected for specialist training in baker's and cook's school.
Source: The DesMoines Tribune, April 26, 1943
WAC Corp. Fern E. LaFler, daughter of Mrs. Blanche Robinson, 2444 E. Walnut st., dishes out a piece of pie at a WAC mess hall in France. Corporal LaFler is a baker -- U.S. 9th Air Force photo
Source: The Des Moines Tribune, December 5, 1944 (photo included)
FORMER WAC TO OPEN SHOP
After serving 2 1/2 years as a WAC, Mrs. Fern LaFler, 42, of 1416 Ninth st., has been discharged and will open a beauty salon at Hotel Victoria Monday.
She returned recently from 17 months service in England, France and Germany aboard a transport with 2,000 men and five other WACs. The WACs, all over 40, had separate quarters and meals on the officers deck.
Mrs. LaFler last served as a beauty operator for WACs of the 9th Air Force headquarters in Germany. She was replaced there by two German girls.
The former WAC sergeant operated the Movie Land beauty salon at Thirteenth and High streets prior to entering the service. The Victoria salon previously had been operated by Mrs LaFler's sister, Mrs. Lois M. Nixon.
Source: The Des Moines Register, August 5, 1945 (photo included)
