Quintessential HistorianFor almost sixty years Col Bettie Morden's dedication was to the women of the United States Army - in both serving and preserving. As the driving force behind the Army Women's Museum and the author of an outstanding history of the Women's Army Corps, Col. Morden has given military women contributions that will live on for posterity. Here is an excellent description of her career accomplishments from Pat Jernigan.
I am deeply saddened to report that Colonel Bettie J. Morden, U.S. Army, Retired, died Friday evening, October 12th, after a difficult battle with cancer.
Colonel Morden was a native of Huron, MI. She enlisted in the WAAC in October, 1942 shortly after her 21st birthday; she trained at Ft Des Moines, IA. She was promoted rapidly, and served as the first sergeant of the HQ Company, South Post, Ft Oglethorpe, GA. After discharge at the end of World War II, she completed her BA and MA degrees at Columbia University.
Colonel Morden returned to active duty as a first lieutenant in 1952. Her assignments included the National Security and Army Security Agencies where she was a personnel officer; Ft Riley KS and Heidelberg and Pirmasens, Germany where she was WAC Detachment commander; Ft McClellan, AL where she was commander of the WAC Training Battalion; and Washington, DC where she was first the executive officer, Office of the Director, WAC, and then Deputy Director, WAC for two WAC directors, Brigadier General Elizabeth P. Hoisington and Brigadier General Mildred I. C. Bailey. She retired in 1972.
Col Morden, 4th from right, back row,
during General Bailey's tenure.
In 1974 Colonel Morden was recalled to active duty to research and write the second volume in the Army Historical Series, "The Women's Army Corps 1945-1978", published by the U.S. Army Center of Military History in 1989. She reverted to retired status in 1982.
Colonel Morden was a graduate of the WAC Officers' Advanced Course, the Command and General Staff College, and the Army Management School. She was a recipient of the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and many other awards.
"Retirement" was a misnomer for Colonel Morden’s active life after leaving Army service. She supported women veterans in many ways, often personally assisting women in need. She was the president of the WAC Museum Foundation for over 30 years. During this time, she led a successful campaign to raise funds for the WAC Museum building at Ft McClellan, and several years later, for a sizeable addition. This building and the addition were built solely with private funds.
When the decision was made to close Ft McClellan, Colonel Morden was instrumental in the successful drive to relocate the museum. Opened on May 11, 2001 at Ft Lee (Petersburg), VA, the U.S. Army Women's Museum is a modern 13,000 square foot facility with exhibits representing all Army women.
This impressive museum is truly a testament to her leadership and dedication.
Although she knew that she had inoperable cancer, she was determined to see her dream through to completion. Five weeks after the Museum's dedication, Colonel Morden resigned from the Foundation because of declining health.
The facts and accomplishments are impressive, but the woman was even more so. Colonel Morden was an outstanding historian and one of the leading experts on women in the Army. She was a great supporter of service women and a strong advocate of increased opportunities for women in the military. She was a helpful advisor and mentor; she constantly encouraged research and writing about military topics. She was a warm and caring friend to so many who came in contact with her.
Colonel Morden was never too busy to discuss an issue or answer a question, no matter how mundane. She almost always had an answer or could direct you to the source that would provide the answer. Eschewing recognition, she invariably turned praise aside to others. She was a very private person who preferred not to be in the spotlight. Yet, she was an incredibly capable leader who elicited a inspired response, often without the person knowing that he or she had even been led. She handled controversy with quiet, calm determination to see the issue through to a fair and reasonable conclusion.
Colonel Morden was a patriot, a leader, and an outstanding example of one whose life epitomized service to our country and to others. We will miss her greatly. Her death leaves a void that cannot be filled.
May she rest in peace.
Pat Jernigan
