Dorothy Letitia Bancroft Iversen was born 27 March 1923, in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, the daughter of Letitia (nee Federmann) Bancroft Motjenbacker and Edward G. Bancroft. Her Mother later married Joseph Francis Motjenbacker, and they moved to West Palm Beach, Florida. She graduated from Palm Beach High School in June 1942. She found employment as a switchboard operator for Southern Bell Telephone Company.

She enlisted in the U.S. Navy WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) on 22 June 1943, and did her basic training at the WAVE boot camp at Hunter College, New York City, NY, earning the rank of Seaman. She was sent for special training to the Iowa State Teachers College, in Cedar Falls, Iowa, and upon completion, she was promoted to Yeoman, 3rd Class. She was then assigned to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Navy Department, Washington, D.C.

On 27 January 1944, Dorothy Letitia Bancroft Married 2nd Lt. Harold George Iversen, her Childhood Sweetheart, and the Love of Her Life. They were married in Berwyn, Maryland, nearby to Washington, D.C.

Her husband, a B-25 medium Bomber Pilot was sent overseas on 21 June 1944. The night of September 18, 1944, sleeping in her bunk, she felt something grabbing her left shoulder and pulling her down. A tiny crumpled note with no ID appeared in her mailbox a few days later stating her husband was MIA.

Her duties as a WAVE kept her from total despair. She kept working and believing that her husband would be found. In late October, she was notified that her husband was Safe, albeit, a Prisoner Of War of the Germans, but ALIVE.

Dorothy Bancroft Iversen was later promoted to Communications Specialist (Q) 2nd Class, working in the Naval Intelligence Department, until her Honorable Discharge on 17th October 1945.

Served in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Navy Department, Washington, D.C.

Honorably Discharged on 17th October 1945 as a Specialist (Q) 2nd Class;

Military Personnel Separation Unit

Signed by Four Star Admiral Ernest J. King

Chief of Naval Operations; U.S. Navy Department; Washington, D.C.

November 4, 1945

My Dear Mrs. Iversen

I have addressed this letter to reach you after the formalities of your separation from active service are completed. I have done so because, without formality, but as clearly as I know how to say it, I want the Navy's pride in you, which it is my privilege to express, to reach into your civil life and remain with you always.

You have served in the greatest Navy in the world.

It crushed two enemy fleets at once, receiving their surrenders only four months apart.

It brought our land based airpower within bombing range of the enemy, and set our ground armies on the beachheads of final victory.

It performed the multitude of tasks necessary to support these military operations.

No other Navy at any time has done so much. For your part in these achievements, you deserve to be proud as long as you live. The Nation which you served at a time of crisis will remember you with gratitude.

The best wishes of the Navy go with you into civilian life. Good Luck!

Sincerely yours,

JAMES FORRESTAL

Dorothy and Harold made their home in West Palm Beach, Florida, and they were blessed with two beatiful daughters, Caroline and Patty.

Harold George Iversen had re-enlisted as a non-commissioned officer in 1948; had a very distinguished career with many, many commendations, and retired after 23 years of active duty holding the highest rank as an E-9, "Chief Master Sergeant."

Harold George Iversen died at the age of 49 from malignant melanoma only 5 years after retiring. He and Dorothy were married 28 years; Dorothy never re-married. Dorothy and Harold were reunited in spirit on 13 July 2000. They were survived by their two beloved daughters, Caroline and Patty; and by two grandchildren.

Treasured Family Photos, news clippings; documents, and Biographical info was graciously sent to me by Lt. Iversen and Dorothy's Proud Daughter, Patty.

Dorothy Iversen (1923)