On This Day in Telephone History May 22ND 1919, Grace Banker was awarded the U.S. Army’s Distinguished Service Medal for “exceptionally meritorious service to the Government in a duty of great responsibility in connection with the operations against an armed enemy of the United States.” Banker was a French-speaking telephone operator from Passaic, New Jersey. She was one of 223 operators hired by the U.S. Army to connect calls in France during World War I. Originally, these operators were only expected to connect routine calls at the biggest telephone offices, far from the fighting. However, their efficiency, speed, bravery under fire, and devotion to duty so impressed their army superiors that these women became a trusted part of the military machine. They eventually advanced to the “fighting lines,” connecting even the most important calls at the First Army Headquarters near the front. Far from being insignificant, these women went on to receive many commendations for their work. - Excerpt from "Women Telephone Operators in World War I France" by Jill Frahm
