U.S. Army Capt. Dorothy L. Starbuck became the first woman in VA's history appointed as Chief Benefits Director of the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 
Starbuck, appointed in May 1977, she also served longer in that role than any of her predecessors. Her VA career began June 1946 as a GS-4 adjustment clerk at a district office in Chicago. 
When World War II started, she commissioned in the second class of Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) officers in 1942, having already earned a bachelor's degree in journalism. 

At 27, she was assigned to the London headquarters of General Dwight Eisenhower. She worked closely with Gen. George S. Patton, Gen. Omar Bradley, and other top military commanders. She was later stationed in Paris where she was responsible for top secret plans to force German’s surrender. When that day came, however, she was not in the celebratory mood. She had the flu. 
As the world celebrated, she was confined to her room in a Paris hotel. A group of friends brought a bottle of Scotch they had saved for the day. Although she wasn't sure she could keep it down, they all had a drink and toasted Germany's surrender, hoping Japan’s would come soon.

In 1978, she received the National Civil Service League's prestigious Career Service Award and the AMVETS Silver Helmet-Civil Servant Award. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter presented her with the President's Award for Distinguished Federal Service. She retired in December 1984 after more than 42 years of federal service. According to staff at the time, “her accomplishments were legion, but most of her humanitarian deeds unknown.” 

At her retirement in 1984, VA Administrator Harry Walters praised her career accomplishments. He called her management approach “direct, compassionate, but forcefully persuasive” and said with her retirement the department lost a motivated, dedicated leader. “We all owe her our respect and gratitude,” he said. 

Starbuck died July 19, 1996. 

U.S. Army Capt. Dorothy Starbuck is interred at Fort Logan National Cemetery. She was 78. #NoVeteranEverDies

Starbuck speaking with Charles Walter and Herbert Moore. 

Starbuck speaking with other VA officials Charles Walters and Herbert Moore.

News article from the Greeley Daily Tribune, October 2, 1943.

A new article mentioning WACs and Starbuck specifically.

Starbuck in her office as the head of Veterans Benefits.

Starbuck in her office talking on the phone.

Article form the Kansas City Times August 11, 1978.

Kansas City Times reporting on WAC convention August 11, 1978

The Daily Sentinel reporting Starbuck's commission in the Women's Army Corps. Article is from September 13, 1942.

The Daily Sentinel reporting Starbuck's commission in the Women's Army Corps.

News article from Grand Junction in Colorado quoting Starbuck regarding a delay in GI Bill payments.

Grand Junction Colorado news article reporting a delay in GI Bill Funds

Fort Collins Coloradan article from May 10, 19777, announcing Starbuck's assignment as head of Veterans Benefits Admin. On the same page is an article about Prince Charles possibly dating a Luxembourgian princess.

Fort Collins Coloradan article announcing Starbuck's assignment as head of Veterans Benefits Admin.

DOROTHY L STARBUCK

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