Clover, Marion Lyons (1918-2014)

https://repository.stcloudstate.edu/worldwar_oh/5/

Biographical Information: Marion Lyons Clover was born in Valley City, North Dakota on March 3, 1918. During World War II, Clover enlisted with the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) and worked in a clerical position for the Air Transport Command in Casablanca, North Africa. After the conclusion of World War II, Clover reenlisted and was sent to Japan in 1946. She returned to the United States in 1948 in the Air Force reserves, and was recalled early during the Korean War. After her discharge from the Korean War, Clover returned to North Dakota, where she worked on the family farm in Eckelson until she passed away on March 5, 2014.

Transcript Summary: Marion Lyons Clover discussed her service with the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) during World War II. Clover enlisted in the WACs in 1943 and was stateside typing up furlough papers. She had put in for overseas duty and was assigned to Casablanca, North Africa in 1944. In Casablanca, Clover worked in the Air Transport Command securing orders of shipments and checking that everything was accurate. During the time in Casablanca, Clover was given the opportunities to visit other WACs in Italy, as well as spent time at an oasis in Marrakech. After the war concluded, Clover decided to remain in service and by 1946 was sent to Japan as part of the occupying force. She remained in Japan until 1948, when she returned to the United States and went into the Air Force reserves. Clover was recalled into service at the beginning of the Korean War, after achieving the rank of master sergeant. Korea was a different experience, Clover pointed out, because there was a lack of comradery and unification, along with differentiating circumstances that stemmed from a “police action” versus a “declared war.” Clover concluded the interview with a discussion of how women were received by men in the service.

Interview by Nancy Baker