The Women’s Reserve of the Coast Guard (SPARS) was created on Nov. 23, 1942 “to expedite the war effort by providing for releasing officers and men for duty at sea and their replacement by women in the shore establishment of the Coast Guard”. Women were not to serve outside the continental United States, and no woman, officer or enlisted, could issue orders to any male serviceman. The first 153 enlisted SPARs and 15 SPAR officers were former WAVES who agreed to be discharged from the Navy and join the Coast Guard.
Photos of Coast Guard SPARS during World War II:
WAVES and SPARS Day in New York City
WAVES and SPARS Directors Witness Oathtaking Ceremony
First SPAR to Set Foot on Overseas Soil
Coast Guard Parachute Rigger Portrait
WAVES and SPARS Take Oath of Enlistment
Coast Guard SPAR of World War II
Coast Guard SPARS Officers Group Photo
Two SPARS Pause on Ladder of USS Neversail
Enlisted SPARS in Uniform during WWII
LCDR Dorothy Stratton, SPARS Director
Coast Guard SPAR in Dress White Uniform
WWII Coast Guard SPARS Officer in Dress Blues
Coast Guard SPAR in Enlisted Blues Uniform
SPAR Cadets on Coast Guard Patrol Craft
Future SPARS Learn About Life Rafts
Three SPAR Cadets with Ensign on Flying Bridge
SPAR Cadets on Coast Guard Boat
