Elizabeth P. Hoisington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Elizabeth P. Hoisington
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Brigadier General Hoisington as Director of the Women's Army Corps, circa 1970
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| Born | November 3, 1918 Newton, Kansas |
| Died | August 21, 2007 (aged 88) Springfield, Virginia |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1942–1971 |
| Rank | Brigadier general |
| Commands held | Women's Army Corps |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Army Distinguished Service Medal Legion of Merit (2) Bronze Star Medal |
| Relations | Colonel Perry M. Hoisington (grandfather) Colonel Gregory Hoisington (father) Major General Perry M. Hoisington II (brother) |
Elizabeth Paschel Hoisington was a brave American Army officer. She made history as one of the first two women to become a brigadier general. This is a very high rank in the military! She was born on November 3, 1918, and passed away on August 21, 2007.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Elizabeth Hoisington was born in Newton, Kansas. She went to the College of Notre Dame of Maryland. She finished her studies there in 1940.
Joining the Army
During World War II, the United States Army created new roles for women. They formed the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC). Elizabeth Hoisington joined the WAACs in November 1942. She completed her basic training in Iowa.
At that time, women had to serve in a unit first. Only then could they apply for Officer Candidate School (OCS). So, Private Hoisington joined a WAAC unit in Bangor, Maine. This unit helped with early warnings for aircraft.
Her commander quickly saw her skills. He made her the first sergeant soon after she arrived. She later said she asked an experienced male first sergeant to teach her. She learned so much that she didn't need to open a book at OCS!
Becoming an Officer
In May 1943, Hoisington became a WAAC third officer. A month later, the WAAC became the Women's Army Corps (WAC). Its officers then used standard army ranks. Hoisington became a second lieutenant.
She was sent to Europe during the war. She served in France after D-Day. After World War II, Hoisington continued her army career. She rose through the ranks to become a colonel. She led WAC units in Japan, Germany, and France. She also worked in staff roles in San Francisco and at the Pentagon.
Leading the Women's Army Corps
On August 1, 1965, Hoisington was chosen for a very important job. She became the seventh director of the Women's Army Corps. She served in this role from 1966 to 1971.
During the Vietnam War, she visited WACs serving in Vietnam. She went to Saigon and Long Binh in September 1967. Some people say she didn't want to send too many women to Vietnam. She believed it might slow down progress for women in the army.
Making History as a General
On May 15, 1970, President Nixon made a big announcement. He named the first women to be promoted to brigadier general. These two women were Anna Mae Hays and Elizabeth Hoisington. Anna Mae Hays was the Chief of the Army Nurse Corps.
Both women were promoted on June 11, 1970. They were promoted within minutes of each other. Because promotions were done in alphabetical order, Hays was the first. She was the first woman in the U.S. Armed Forces to wear the general's star.
Their promotions were a huge positive event for the army. They appeared on popular TV shows like the Dick Cavett, David Frost, and Today. Hoisington was known for her bright smile and happy personality. She even appeared as a mystery guest on the game show What's My Line?
Hoisington retired from the army on August 1, 1971.
Family Military Legacy
Elizabeth Hoisington came from a family with a strong military background. Her grandfather, Colonel Perry Milo Hoisington I, helped start the Kansas National Guard. Her father, Gregory Hoisington, was a West Point graduate and an army colonel. He was a direct descendant of Ebenezer Hoisington, a soldier in the American Revolution.
Elizabeth's brother, Perry Hoisington II, became a United States Air Force general. When Elizabeth was promoted in 1970, they became the first brother and sister generals in the U.S. military.
Death and Burial
Elizabeth Hoisington passed away in Springfield, Virginia, on August 21, 2007. She was 88 years old. She is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, a special place for many American heroes.
Awards and Honors
Elizabeth Hoisington received many important awards for her service:
- Army Distinguished Service Medal
- Legion of Merit (with an Oak Leaf Cluster, meaning she received it twice)
- Bronze Star Medal
- Army Commendation Medal
- Women's Army Corps Service Medal
- American Campaign Medal
- European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal (with one service star)
- World War II Victory Medal
- Army of Occupation Medal
- National Defense Service Medal (with an Oak Leaf Cluster)
- Croix de guerre 1939–1945 (France) (with a Star)
See also
- List of female United States military generals and flag officers
