Missing in Action: The Accra WACs
In this letter to her sister, Maxine, dated April 24, 1945, Seyfert says "I asked for another assignment overseas...I don't much care to get back until the war ends." Just over a month later, she was listed as Missing in Action.
Their Stories: Pfc. Leona Seyfert
Leona Seyfert's sister, Maxine Seyfert, was already training in the U.S. Nurse Cadet Corps program when she enlisted in the Women's Army Corps in 1944. She was quickly on her way to Fort Oglethorpe, Ga for Basic Training. Her assignments stateside included a stint at Romulus Army Air Field in Georgia and Grenier Army Air Field in New Hampshire, before she was assigned to the 1202d Army Air Forces Base Unit in Accra. She worked in the Operations Section of Headquarters, Central African Division, Air Transport Command under LTC Francis Bradley who later described her as "a sincere and conscientious WAC" stating that "her diligence and persistence at any task were a fine example for all of the personnel of this Section." Her letters home include news of a shiny engagement ring from "Link" and trips to see gardens, castles, and mines.
According to family, after the crash Seyfert's fiance, Link, was invited to join the search party, but the wreckage was never found. Many felt Seyfert's loss, and Maxine received a note from Director of the Women's Army Corps, Oveta Culp Hobby, which read "Leona's unselfish devotion to our country, as evidenced by her voluntary service, will ever be a monument to American womanhood."
