Sgt. Eva A. Tompkins

In 1943 artist Francis V. Kughler, Hudson River Museum Director H. Armour Smith and Women’s Army Corps recruiter Joanne Coates conceived a plan to encourage women of Yonkers to enlist in the army and honor their contribution. Every Yonkers woman who joined the WACs would have her portrait made in oil or pastel by Kughler.

One of the first WACs to be sworn in, Tompkins was 22 when she enlisted in 1943. A graduate of Roosevelt High School, Eva had continued her education by attending the Butler Business School. She was involved in the Business Girls’ Professional Club and assisted in the war effort as a member of the American Legion Auxilliary. Following her honorable discharge in 1946, she worked at Alexander Smith and Sons Carpet Company.