Rosamond D. Selle joined the Navy's Women's Reserve in September 1942 and was commissioned as one of the early WAVES officers. She was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in October 1943 and to Lieutenant Commander in October 1945. She remained in the Naval Reserve until at least 1949.

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Photo #: 80-G-47027 Harriet Ida Pickens Is sworn in as an Apprentice Seaman by Lieutenant Rosamond D. Selle, USNR, at New York City. In December 1944, she became one of the Navy's first two African-American "WAVES" officers. Photograph released 16 November 1944. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, National Archives. Online Image: 73KB; 590 x 765 Reproductions may be available through National Archives

Photo #: 80-G-47025 Frances Wills(left) and Harriet Ida Pickens Are sworn in as Apprentice Seamen by Lieutenant Rosamond D. Selle, USNR, at New York City. In December 1944, they became the Navy's first African-American "WAVES" officers. Photograph released 16 November 1944. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, National Archives. Online Image: 89KB; 590 x 765 Reproductions may be available through National Archives

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