Strike Up The Band: The History of The 401st WAC Band
New for October 2026
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47m
If you've been following along, over the summer we covered the history of the Women's Army Corps from their inception as an auxiliary to the US Army, to the WAC bill that militarized the first women of the war. This week we're uncovering the history of the 401st WAC Band, a journey that Gabby began back in April with a visit to the Fort Hamilton Army Base. Joining us this week are the two individuals who we would consider the keepers of the 401st history; Tracy Bradford and Justin Batt. Tracy is the curator of the US Army Women's Museum and Justin, the curator of the Harbor Defense Museum where the 401st WAC Band served, and their history still remains to this day. This story is unique and filled with the kind of history we always hope to find when uncovering the stories of women during the war. The coffee is hot and the sinkers are fresh, so join us in The Clubmobile as we listen to the band play!