Veteran's History Project

The Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war.

Dorothy and Cecil Holloway were a married couple before World War II began. Cecil was quite a pilot and had joined the Navy. His talent for airplanes was put to use quickly. He became an instructor pilot and he and his wife Dorothy moved about the United States so he could use his skills for the Country's benefit.

Cecil's health became an issue early on. To best get him the medical attention that was needed, he was sent to Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida. In addition to being a major command for training pilots, the base also had a very good hospital that could treat Cecil Holloway.

The Command structure at this facility was made up mainly of Sailors who previously held civilian positions. When the Country went to war, many of the local civilians were heavily recruited to manage and man the base so that trained Navy men could go on to the Pacific theater of war.

When Aviation Machinists Mate 3/C Holloway and his wife Dorothy arrived at the Headquarters of NAS Jacksonville, Cecil began the in-processing tasks. While doing so, a Navy Lieutenant began talking with Dorothy. He wanted to know about her background and education. Dorothy told him she was a school teacher. The personnel man said "sorry, we don't need teachers". "Do you have a college degree?" he asked. She answered she had majored in mathematics ... THAT was something they could use!

Instantly, Dorothy Holloway had a job at the Headquarters building at NAS Jacksonville! She was led to the Commander's Office, introduced to Commander Holly, then taken to an office where she would work.

The Navy admin people told AMM 3C Holloway and his wife that there was no place on base that they could live. BUT... they did know of a place that had indicated they would have a room available for Navy people. The Holloways went there to find an older couple that lived near the base. In their home was a nice bedroom with a private bathroom. For not much money, this was a workable solution to their housing needs.

In that the Holloways had a car, Cecil drove to work. Dorothy walked a few blocks to a bus stop. When the bus came by, it was crowded. She said that as the doors opened, she just stepped in and grabbed the overhead strap and made a little space for herself.

The bus had an established route. Dorothy was dropped off near her work office. In civilian clothing, she reported in and had the task of file management. Should a personnel person or an Officer come to her desk and ask for the file on "Seaman Smith", for example, she could produce that data.

The paper file folders that she maintained were color-coded. Beige or khaki color was for the lower ranking enlisted people. Green was for Navy Chiefs and higher. Junior Officers were probably orange while Field-Grade Officers were in the blue files. To find "Seaman Smith, she would go to the khaki files and find this individual's file and hand it to the inquirer.

There was a bit of strife among the Officers. The Commander had managed a business before the war. He was brought in and put in charge. The number two Officer-in-Charge was a Lieutenant named Pilkington. He too was a "ninety-day wonder" who took his work seriously.

When new people would report to LT. Pilkington, he would make them stand at attention before addressing him. He would direct that the men remain at attention until he ordered otherwise. He was called down for this behavior more than once!

While working, her office was situated close enough to a pier where the US Navy Hospital Ships would come in. They are big, painted white and have a huge red cross painted on each side of the ship. A terribly sad part of a day for Dorothy was watching the process of off-loading the deceased and/or injured people being brought in. These distressing sights remain in her memory today.

When the work day was completed, she would get to the bus stop and ride to her home. Dorothy talked about the friends they made in and around the Navy base. Since they had a car, they offered transportation to their renters and to other friends. Making friends was not difficult because all the people were in the same situation. In addition, they wanted to do their part to help America win the war!

On weekends they would meet friends and go about the area as tourists, seeing St. Augustine, Daytona Beach, and other places. Dorothy said that there were USO entertainers that would stop at the base to put on a show for sailors. Although the events were crowded, they were always entertaining. Dorothy kept in touch with family in Wyoming by writing letters. The letters were not censored by Navy officials.

The pay for Dorothy was $140.00 a month. The Navy joined her pay with Cecil Holloway's earnings so they got one total amount each month.

Often, they would go to a place called a "Toodle House". This was a place that had no tables but a counter with several stools for customers. Good food was provided fairly quickly. (One of the people founding this chain of about 200 outlets, left and founded "Waffle House".)

Time moved on for this couple working at NAS Jacksonville. In July 1945, Dorothy had to leave her husband and job to return to Medicine Bow, Wyoming. She was in a "family way", and thought it best to make this trip. The Japanese surrendered in August of the same year.

While Cecil remained at NAS Jacksonville, Dorothy bided her time in Wyoming. She did not know the specific date, but she suspected Cecil's service time was ending. She gave birth to her son, Richard Kent, near Christmas, 1945. On Christmas Eve, while Dorothy and Kent were still in the hospital, Cecil Holloway came through the door of her room to rejoin his family and welcome his son to the world!

On returning to Wyoming, Cecil rejoined the civilian work force in resuming his work with Marathon Oil Co. They took advantage of an offer to move to Sidney, Nebraska.

Dorothy Holloway was an integral part of the community of Sidney, Nebraska. Soon, a daughter Ann was born and the family grew. Dorothy found work in teaching Sidney High School students English and Journalism. She earned the highest respect from her students who felt that when they had her as a teacher, they learned.

Once settled in Sidney, Dorothy resumed her life-long ambition of horse riding. She brought her stallion "Rex" to Sidney. She would often be seen riding this beautiful steed on the road surrounding the Sidney golf course.

Dorothy Holloway turned 103 years of age on the day of this interview! She did her part in working for the US Navy and America. Thank you for your service!