109.98.7

Uniform, Military, WWII Blouse

1944 Approximate

Coast Guard SPAR Dress Uniform World War II. Material: textile, metal. Size: 15 1/2" W. across shoulders x 24 1/2" L. x 22 1/2" L. sleeves. Description: Navy blue uniform blouse with black sateen lining; v-neckline with a rolled notched collar that forms lapels (service crest lapel pins (#109.98.17-18) have been removed from lapels;- fitted waistline with four black button front bodice closure, each button imprinted with the Coast Guard crest; one bodice pocket flap on each side; black triangular discharge patch displays an eagle and a golden circle on the right flap; one inside pocket on each side; long sleeves; a patch on the right shoulder sleeve displays a white eagle, a red cross and two red chevrons (rank and rate); navy blue triangular patch displays a silver shield on the left cuff; label inside back neckline: eagle graphic and the words "U.S. Coast Guard Clothing Division" . Entire SPAR uniform is accessioned as #109.98.5-13, 17-18) and includes a cap, a garrison cap, blouse, shirts, skirt, slacks, belt and service crests.

Waseca County Military - U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, SPAR. Dorothy Hodgkins was a SPAR, a member of the women's reserve of the U.S. Coast Guard from 1943-1945. The name "SPAR" derives from S(emper) PAR (atus) or "always ready", the motto of the U.S. Coast Guard. Hodgkins worked with public health doctors and nurses in sick bay and in the dental clinic in St. Augustine, Florida at a Coast Guard training station. Later she was located in Washington, D.C. at Coast Guard headquarters. See donor gift agreement for more biographical information on Dorothy Hodgkins Gigeay.