AbstractsWomens Studies

Current and past research of the Vietnam War has narrowed its vision on the role of men, often times leaving out the role of women. As the Vietnam War is iconic in American memory it remains imperative that researchers begin to examine not only the role of women in wartime but also how to include women in national identity and historical memory through commemoration. The goal of my research is to examine the experiences of women during the Vietnam War era by studying the history of women's roles and gender integration in the armed services.. Additionally, I will set out to understand what precludes the women from having a larger representation in the military. I will also include general information on the politics involved in commemoration while magnifying the importance of memory as both a way to heal, pay tribute, and remember the past. I will support this with information from a detailed interview of a Vietnam Veteran who I have worked closely with over the past nine years paying special attention to the importance of commemoration. Finally, I will include information on the National Defense Department's decision to open all combat roles to females and the impact it has had on various branches of the military and women the women themselves. 'Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of History.'; Thesis advisor: Heather M. Prescott.; M.A.,Central Connecticut State University,,2016.; Advisors/Committee Members: Prescott, Heather Munro.