The 'Hello Girls' who supported the frontlines during WWI

(COLMA, CA.) – A group of women who had an instrumental role in World War I were recognized this weekend in northern California. 

Approximately 450 women known as the ‘Hello Girls’ were sworn into the U.S. Army Signal Corps and served as switchboard operators in France. 

Each woman was bilingual in English and French and had to decipher through hundreds of codenames that changed daily. 

The ‘Hello Girls’ assisted soldiers on the frontline by answering artillery support orders, delivering orders to advance or retreat, and assisted pilots on when to take off.

“Even though they were miles away from the battlefields of World War I, the ‘Hello Girls’ had to deal with artillery attacks and frequent fires during their 12 hour shifts. In one instance, the telephone operating room caught fire. The women ignored the calls to evacuate the building in order to continue serving the men on the frontline,” a WWI historian said. 

Their dedication and patriotism led to a culture shift after the war. 

Influenced by the stories of women serving overseas, President Woodrow Wilson called for the passage of the 19th Amendment.

Although the ‘Hello Girls’ wore U.S. Army Uniforms, they were considered civilians and were not recognized for their military efforts in 1977. Only 18 of them were living at the time of the award. 

The “Hello Girls’ were posthumously granted the Congressional Gold Medal in 2024. 

On Saturday, a memorial ceremony was held at Holy Cross Cemetery in Colma, California. 

The ceremony recognized ‘Hello Girls’ member Irma Rameline Armanet who had passed away before ever receiving military honors.

Here are some photos of the ceremony taken by Robin Jackson: