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Guide to the Catherine Bogovich Papers and Photographs, 1942-2009

Arrangement

Repository
Heinz History Center
Title
Catheine Bogovich Papers and Photographs
Creator
Catherine Bogovich
Collection Number
MSS599
Extent
.25 linear feet (1 box)
Date
1942-2009
Abstract
Corporal Catherine Gimbus Bogovich served in the Women's Army Auxiliary Corp (WAAC), later the Women's Army Corp (WAC), during World War II from 1942 to 1945. She trained in various states around the country before being sent to overseas duty in Paris, France in 1945. The collection includes photographs, news clippings, and memorabilia from her time in the service.
Language
The material in this collection is in English.
Author
The guide to this collection was written by Sarah Ecklund.
Publisher
Heinz History Center
Address
1212 Smallman St.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222
library@heinzhistorycenter.org
URL: https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org

History

Catherine Bogovich was born December 6, 1921, in Midland, Pennsylvania into the Serbian Orthodox faith.

On October 14, 1942, Bogovich volunteered for the WAAC in Pittsburgh, PA. She completed basic training in Des Moines, Iowa in November before being moved to the AWS (Aircraft Warning Service) in Philadelphia in December of the same year. The AWS was a civilian service of the U.S. Army, established during WWII, and Bogovich's duties in the branch involved identifying planes entering American airspace. In April 1943, she was relocated to Ft. Brady in Michigan and continued to serve in the AWS.

On August 14, 1943, the Army took over the WAAC and changed the name to the WAC, at which point women were given the option to leave the service. Bogovich stayed and was then sworn in to the WAC. In February 1944, she was moved to Drew Field in Tampa, Florida, and was in the Third Air Force where she served as a clerk for G2 Intelligence. While in Florida, she received orders to undergo overseas training after having applied for it two years prior. She returned to Iowa in April 1945 where she underwent the training. She received the same uniform as the men and also received the "Eisenhower Jacket" for her overseas duties.

On May 1, she boarded the Ile de France from New York for Europe and landed in Scotland on VE (Victory in Europe) Day, May 8th. From England, she traveled to La Havre and then to Paris, arriving mid-month. She worked there in the 3341 Signal Service Battalion on circuits that ran from Paris to the States. She returned to New York in November, 1945, and received her discharge in December at Ft. Dix, New Jersey.

Scope and Content Notes

The documents are contained in one archival box and arranged by date. The folders are all Catherine Bogovich's personal memorabilia from her time with the WAC. The first five folders contain photographs, news clippings, some photocopies of the photographs and news clippings, as well as letters, tickets, postcards, leaflets from her camps, and some official Army documents. The last two folders contain photographs of one of her nieces, of her in a parade, and two memoirs she wrote after the donation of the materials to the Heinz History Center. The photographs and photocopies contain annotations by Bogovich.

The folders and materials within are generally arranged by date and place. There are numerous photographs of Bogovich and the friends she made at Ft. Des Moines, Iowa, Ft. Brady, Michigan, and Drew Field, Tampa, Florida.

Conditions Governing Access

Restrictions: None

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of Catherine Bogovich on August 2011.

Preferred Citation

Catherine Bogovich Papers and Photographs, 1942-2009, MSS599, Library and Archives Division, Senator John Heinz History Center

Processing Information

This collection was processed by Sarah Ecklund in September 2011.

Conditions Governing Use

Property rights reside with the Senator John Heinz History Center. Literary rights are retained by the creators of the records and their heirs. For permission to reproduce or publish, please contact the Library and Archives of the Senator John Heinz History Center.

Related Materials

To the museum division: Catherine Bogovich's army uniform, consisting of her Eisenhower jacket, skirt, shirt, tie, and cap.

Subjects

    Personal Names

    • Bogovich, Catherine Gimbus

    Other Subjects

    • Women -- Pennsylvania -- Pittsburgh
    • Women in War -- United States
    • World War, 1939-1945 -- France

Container List