Canton salutes Orchard Cove WWII veteran

The Canton Select Board has issued a citation to Orchard Cove resident Zecil Gravitz in recognition of her exemplary service, dedication, and commitment to the country during World War II.

Orchard Cove’s Zecil Gravitz (HSL photo)

Gravitz was presented with the commendation by Canton Veterans Agent Arafat Knight during brief ceremonies at Orchard Cove in Canton.

In 1938, Gravitz was studying at the University of Pennsylvania, where she majored in chemistry and was one of only three women on a pre-med track. After the war broke out, she joined the Women’s Auxiliary Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES), becoming one of the first Jewish women accepted for an officer position. After attending the nine-week officers’ training at Smith College, she was assigned to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

While serving in the Office of Procurement and Material under the secretary of the Navy, Gravitz provided resources to assist President Roosevelt when he traveled to Yalta in 1945 to confer with Premier Joseph Stalin and Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

To learn more about the life and service of Zecil Gravitz, check out her biography at natickveterans.com/2018/04/14/zecil-gravitz.

Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=123786

Posted by Canton Citizen on Apr 26 2024. Filed under News. Both comments and pings are currently closed.