Annie Laura makes history: 103-year-old honored by the VFW for her service during World War II

Annie Laura Bailey Wildenradt, born February 27, 1921 in Statesboro, Georgia, recently celebrated BIG 103! She attended Claxton High School and achieved her goal of graduating before training to become a switchboard operator. She was then employed at Southern Bell.

Sounds quite ordinary, perhaps routine in a woman’s life between 1921 and 1940, right? Then, in 1942, World War II broke out and during a break from work, Annie Laura caught attention with a wonderful inscription. “We need you!” said Uncle Sam.

That day Annie Laura made history. She became one of the first women to join the Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps (WAAC), which became the active-duty Women’s Army Corps in July 1943.

Holding the rank of private, she did not receive any medals or awards for her service at the time. But on June 19, 2024, everything changed. Private Annie Laura Bailey Wildenradt was honored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars. It may have been over 80 years, but it was no less deserved!

Patsy Elizabeth Schreiberoutgoing 77th Commander, Georgia VFW Department 2023-24/incoming Commander, VFW Post 8385 Kingsway, and Dean RakoskiThe 76th Commander of the Georgia VFW Department 2022-23/life member of the VFW Post 10825 Statesboro and the seventh Commander of the All American Triple Crown Georgia, came to honor Bailey Wildenradt.

They awarded the following honors and awards for her service during World War II.

• War Veterans Badge and Certificate of Appreciation for service in the Women’s Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) and Women’s Army Corps (WAC) during World War II
• A certificate of appreciation for military service during World War II from the VFW National Commander and a belated “Happy 103rd Birthday!”
• WAAC/WAC Service Medal in recognition of her service during World War II
• Triple Crown: Awarded to individuals who have achieved recognition as All-American commanders at the post, district and department (levels).

  • As of July 29, 2024, only nine of the 77 individuals who have served as commanders of the Department of Georgia have been awarded the Triple Crown awarded by VFW National. Five of these individuals donated their challenge coins to be presented to Bailey Wildenradt as a symbol of the respect they have for her service.
    

  
  

  
  

Commander Schreiber declared: “Annie Laura Bailey Wildenradt reminds our generation that women were in uniform and also guaranteed our freedom. She volunteered and took an oath to protect and defend our country, and she is every bit as great as the brave men who have been recognized over the years.”

Commander Rakoskie said: “Annie Laura Bailey Wildenradt, a member of America’s greatest generation, a generation that did not seek greatness, but without their honor, commitment and sacrifice, America might not continue to be the greatest nation on earth. What we are doing here today is a long overdue expression of gratitude for recognizing the call to serve! Commander Schreiber and I speak on behalf of all veterans when we say, “Thank you and God bless you!”

Congratulations, Private Annie Laura Bailey Wildenradt, for “paving the way” and having the courage to step up and say, “I want to serve!”

Learn more about Annie Laura’s life and ministry here.