Polk County

Arlene O'Connell

 

Two Des Moines girls were sworn in to the Coast Guard on its one-hundred and fifty-fifth anniversary Friday. They were the first to enlist since the recruiting office opened here recently.

They were Betty Burrill, 20, and Arlene O’Connell, 20, both of 4302 Hickman road.  Miss O’Connell, a graduate of Lincoln High school in 1942, has been employed in the office of price administration since November, 1943.

Miss Burrell, a graduate of Roosevelt High school in 1942, recently returned from a 7-month visit with relatives in Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada. She formerly was employed by Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.

The girls will leave Aug. 23, for Manhattan Beach, N.Y., where they will receive eight weeks training before being assigned to duty.

Source: The Des Moines Register, August 5, 1945 (photos included)