First Woman’s Army Corps General Officer

Brig. Gen. Elizabeth P. Hoisington, U.S Army, Ret., the first woman from the Woman’s Army Corps (WAC) to be promoted to the rank of brigadier general three years after Congress authorized the promotion of women to that Army rank died Aug. 21. She was 89.

On June 11, 1970, Col. Hoisington made history with her promotion to brigadier general.
“General Elizabeth Hoisington was a pioneer in the true sense of the word,” the president of the Association of the United State Army said.

“From her service as an enlisted soldier, noncommissioned officer and officer during World War II, to her distinguished career in positions of great responsibility,” Gen. Gordon R. Sullivan, USA, Ret., said, “she was destined to become a historic figure -- moving women serving in the Army to new and higher levels of service and professional advancement.”

After enlisting in the Woman’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) in November 1942, Private Hoisington was assigned to the Aircraft Warning Service in Bangor, Maine, where, recognizing her potential, she was promoted to first sergeant shortly after her arrival.

Commissioned in May 1943 through the Officers Candidate Program (OCS) as a WAAC third officer, she soon became an Army officer when the WAAC became the Women’s Army Corps a month later.
Serving in command positions in France, Germany, Japan, and Fort Monroe, Va., -- and in a variety of key administrative positions at the Pentagon; Headquarters, Sixth U.S. Army; and in Europe – she became the director of the Woman’s Army Corps and served in that position from 1966 to 1971.

While leading the women in the Army, Hoisington, the daughter of an Army colonel from Newton, Kan., traveled extensively including visiting WAC units serving in Saigon and Long Bihn during the Vietnam War.

During her tenure as director, WAC officers began to attend senior service colleges, the WAC student officer program was initiated, and the strength of the Woman’s Army Corps increased by several thousand.

Hoisington retired on Aug. 1, 1971.

Recognized throughout the Army as a role model for women, she was a supporter of Norwich University, Northfield, Vt., where she visited and guided cadets in the pursuit of their goals.

“General Hoisington was a wonderful leader and friend of Norwich University,” Dr. Richard W. Schneider, university president, said.

Adding, “She always recognized NU women cadet leaders. She was a role model for our students.”
She was frequently quoted as saying: “From private to first sergeant, that was my greatest promotion,” and “If I had learned to type, I never would have made brigadier general.”

Funeral services are scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 7, at 12:45 p.m., at the Old Post Chapel, Fort Myer, Va., with interment at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.