The Pittsburgh Press (January 31, 1944)
Roper: G.I.s fascinated as WACs wash undies in Italy
By James E. Roper, United Press staff writer
A 5th Army bivouac area, Italy –
Twenty-three WACs moved into this bivouac area just a few miles behind the firing lines today and by nightfall they had their laundry – G.I. panties and all – flying from a dozen improvised clotheslines.
It was the first time a WAC contingent has been stationed so close to the fighting lines, but the girls’ only complaint was over the lack of rope for clotheslines.
They went into action washing and rinsing undies almost as soon as they hit camp.
Hundreds of G.I.s lined up on the opposite side of the creek from the WAC camp – which is strictly off limits for the doughboys – and watched in fascinated silence while the girls went through their laundering.
Pvt. Joe Haas of Philadelphia mused:
I don’t get it, but isn’t it wonderful?