Veda Frances Ponikvar
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Navy
PONIKVAR, Veda Frances
Veda Frances Ponikvar was born on May 26th 1919 in Chisholm, Minnesota. She was the daughter of John Edward Sr. & Frances (Globokar) Ponikvar. She graduated from Chisholm High School.
Ms. Ponikvar served in World War II. She enlisted as a Navy WAVE as part of the U.S. Navy from July 1942 until December 31st 1946.
Owing to her command of several languages (Yugoslavian dialects, German, and French), she was trained at a specialized language school and then assigned to Naval Intelligence in Washington, D.C., where she was involved in cryptography, decoding and encoding messages.
She rose to the rank was Lieutenant Commander. (LCDR)
Ms. Ponikvar died on October 13th 2015 at 96 years of age at the Heritage Manor Health Care Center in Chisholm. She is buried at Calvary Cemetery in Chisholm.
Veda is spotlighted on the Salute to Servicewomen traveling exhibit produced by the St. Louis County Historical Society.
Source: Veterans’ Memorial Hall Veteran History Form above);
Veteran account (see below); http://discovery.mnhs.org/MN150/index.php?tit...
There were few women on duty in World War II, and very limited serving in Naval Intelligence. Much remains secret, but interesting as to what can be shared.
Ms. Ponikvar passed away on Tuesday, October 13th 2015, at the Heritage Manor Health Care Center in Chisholm, Minnesota.
Source(s):
Albert J. Amatuzio Research Center | Veterans Memorial Hall (vets-hall.org)
Sheet 3A Census - US Federal 1930 - Fold3
