Johnnie Phelps (April 4, 1922 - December 30, 1997)

[reviews_and_ramblings]

World War II veteran, Johnnie Phelps was a brave, wonderful, kind and generous woman, who later headed the Los Angeles chapter of the National Organization for Women. In 1947, General Eisenhower told Johnnie Phelps, a member of the Women's Army Corps and a lesbian, "It's come to my attention that there are lesbians in the WACs, we need to ferret them out...." Phelps replied, "If the General pleases, sir, I'll be happy to do that, but the first name on the list will be mine." Eisenhower's secretary added, "If the General pleases, sir, my name will be first and hers will be second." Phelps then told Eisenhower, "Sir, you're right, there are lesbians in the WACs – and if you want to replace all the file clerks, section commanders, drivers, every woman in the WAC detachment, I will be happy to make that list. But you must know, sir, that they are the most decorated group – there have been no illegal pregnancies, no AWOLs, no charges of misconduct." Eisenhower dropped the idea. Johnnie passed away at the Veterans Home in Barstow. Grace Bukowski, her life partner of 22 years, survived her.

Timeline & Places:

• April 4, 1922: born.

• December 30, 1997: died. Buried at Los Angeles National Cemetery, 950 S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90049, Stati Uniti

References:

Days of Love: Celebrating LGBT History One Story at a Time
ISBN-13: 978-1500563325 (CreateSpace-Assigned)
ISBN-10: 1500563323
CreateSpace eStore: https://www.createspace.com/4910282
Amazon print: http://www.amazon.com/dp/1500563323/?tag=elimyrevandra-20
Amazon kindle: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MZG0VHY/?tag=elimyrevandra-20

Queer Places, Vol. 1.1: Retracing the Steps of LGBTQ people around the World
ISBN-13: 978-1532901904 (CreateSpace-Assigned)
ISBN-10: 1532901909
CreateSpace eStore: https://www.createspace.com/6228297
Amazon print: http://www.amazon.com/dp/1532901909/?tag=elimyrevandra-20
Amazon kindle: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IZ1BU9K/?tag=elimyrevandra-20

Queer California: Retracing the Steps of LGBTQ people around the World
ISBN-13: 978-1979617406 (CreateSpace-Assigned)
ISBN-10: 1979617406
CreateSpace eStore: https://www.createspace.com/7789325
Amazon print: http://www.amazon.com/dp/1979617406/?tag=elimyrevandra-20