Grace Hopper was rejected from enlisting in the U.S. Navy during World War II primarily due to her age, weight, and the deemed importance of her civilian work.
Key Reasons for Her Naval Rejection
When Grace Hopper, who had become an associate professor at Vassar in 1941, attempted to enlist in the Navy after the United States entered World War II, she was turned down. The Navy provided three distinct reasons for this outcome:
- Age: At 34 years old, she was considered too old to meet the enlistment requirements of the time.
- Weight: Her physical assessment showed her weighing 105 pounds, which was deemed too skinny according to the Navy's physical standards.
- Essential Civilian Work: Her role teaching mathematics was recognized as already important to the war effort, indicating that her skills were more critically needed in her academic position rather than in active military service.
These reasons are summarized below:
| Reason for Rejection | Specific Detail |
|---|---|
| Age | 34 years old (exceeding the age limit) |
| Weight | 105 lbs (below the required physical standards) |
| Occupation | Teaching mathematics (considered vital for war effort) |
