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Sergeant Frances Helen Pyeatt Salyer

A young woman in her Marine Corps uniform.
  • Unit: Marine Corps Women’s Reserve Schools, Officer Training School, Headquarters Company
  • Date of Birth: November 10, 1918
  • Entered the Military: September 2, 1943
  • Date of Death: July 19, 2018
  • Hometown: Olney, Texas
  • Place of Death: Marysville, California
  • Cemetery: Section C-408, Grave 31. Los Angeles National Cemetery, Los Angeles, California
Contributed by Dailyn Plummer, Emily Serrano Dorrantes, and Ami Singer
Mentored by Ms. Aditi Mehta Doshi
Van Nuys High School
2025/2026

Early Life

Frances Helen Pyeatt was born on November 10, 1918, in Cleburne, Texas, as the fifth of six siblings and the only girl. She grew up in a tight-knit Methodist family that loved telling stories and singing songs. Her parents, Leonard and Minnie Lou Pyeatt, worked in Texas’s oil industry, and the family followed oil boomtowns before eventually settling in Olney, Texas.

Adolescence

Pyeatt was heavily involved in her community as a teenager. At school, she played baseball, was a member of the Pep Squad, the Home Economics Club, the speech and debate team, and the Glee Club, served on the yearbook staff, and performed in her junior and senior plays. Outside of school, she also hosted the Junior Music Club and sang with the Glee Club at local events almost weekly.

College and Early Career

After high school, Pyeatt attended Weatherford College, a two-year college, as a first-generation college student. There, she joined the Glee Club, where she performed at community events. After her two years at Weatherford College, Ms. Pyeatt attended Texas Wesleyan University, where she graduated in 1940.

A natural-born teacher, she was hired upon graduating from college to teach at a two-room schoolhouse in Anarene, Texas. The summer before her position began, she traveled with a Methodist organization in a caravan, giving lectures on worship to children at churches across the South.

The 1930 Census shows the Pyeatt family living in Young County, Texas. National Archives and Records Administration.
Helen Pyeatt graduated from Olney High School in Olney, Texas, in 1936. Courtesy of the Salyer family.
Helen Pyeatt’s first job as a teacher in a two-room schoolhouse, Anarene, Texas, 1942. February 6, 1942. Courtesy of the Salyer family.

Homefront

Olney Before The War

In the early twentieth century, large numbers of oil fields opened in Texas, leading to an overall increase in the state’s population. In 1924, a large oil pool was opened in Olney, Texas, and the city became a leader in the Texas oil industry. Olney was a small town of 3,000-4,000 people with a lucrative farming and oil industry and a tight-knit Methodist community. 

In 1910, Methodist minister Ralph Shuffler founded The Olney Enterprise, a weekly newspaper that documented local, state, and national news events and served as Young County’s only newspaper until the mid-1960s. During World War II, the Enterprise provided Olneyites with crucial information on how they could support the war effort from their small town and published weekly updates on Olneyites who had joined the US Armed Forces.

Wartime in North Texas

Maintaining Olney’s agricultural industry proved difficult during World War II. In the 1940s, harsh weather conditions in the South made crop farming difficult. Some struggling farm workers moved to the North in search of job opportunities in expanding wartime industries, leading to a decline in overall economic output from an agricultural standpoint. 

Despite the decreasing farm worker population, other populations in Olney increased as a result of World War II. On February 26, 1943, The Olney Enterprise announced that the city had received a $700,000 federal grant to build a Class Four naval airport. This project brought a large number of new residents to Olney. While the exact figure is unknown, enough new residents had school-aged children that every public school teacher in Olney received a raise as a direct result of the population increase.

Like the rest of the country, people in Olney were no strangers to war propaganda. Organizations ran constant “bond drives” to raise money for the war. They set monetary goals that Young County consistently surpassed. Local movie theatres also screened propaganda films promoting democracy and patriotism to gain support for the war effort.

A December 1, 1944 advertisement for war bonds placed in The Olney Enterprise by a dry cleaning company.
Schedule of movies playing at the Olney Theater for the week of May 26, 1944, including one World War II propaganda film. The Olney Enterprise, May 26, 1944.
During World War II, Texas was home to many military installations, including Army airfields, forts, camps, naval stations and bases, prisoner of war camps, and internment camps. Texas Historical Commission, 2005.

Military Experience

In September 1943, Ms. Pyeatt enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Women’s Reserve in Dallas, Texas, joining two of her brothers who were already serving in the Armed Forces. She remained in Dallas for a short while before reporting to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, the primary training site for female Marines during World War II. After completing basic training, Pyeatt was assigned to Headquarters Company at the Recruit Depot, where she served as a technical instructor (MOS 659) in General Subjects. In this role, Ms. Pyeatt taught essential non-combat material at a service school, helping prepare new recruits with the knowledge needed for military service. 

Pyeatt quickly proved successful in her position and was promoted to private first class in December 1943, and later sergeant by mid-1944. In March 1945, during a short furlough, Ms. Pyeatt married Oswald Salyer, a Navy Chaplain and her childhood friend. 

After returning from a short honeymoon, the new Sergeant Salyer returned to active service. Her leadership and performance next led her to enroll in Officer Training School. However, before completing the program, she was discharged on May 12, 1945, while still stationed at Camp Lejeune. At the time, she received a discharge “under honorable conditions” due to pregnancy, which matched military policies affecting female service members during World War II. In 1946, she successfully petitioned the Marine Corps to amend her record, and her discharge was upgraded to fully honorable. 

During her service, Salyer remained within the continental United States and did not participate in overseas combat, but still contributed to the war effort by training and supporting fellow Marines on the home front.

Helen Pyeatt Salyer in front of the Instructors’ Recruit Depot at Camp Lejeune, where she served as a Technical Instructor, c.1943-1945. Courtesy of the Salyer family.
Helen Pyeatt Salyer on an obstacle course at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, c.1944-1945. Courtesy of the Salyer family.
Helen Pyeatt Salyer’s Report of Separation from the U.S. Marine Corps, initially showing a discharge under Honorable Conditions, May 11, 1945. This was changed to a full Honorable Discharge in 1946. Portions have been redacted for privacy reasons. Official Military Personnel File. National Archives and Records Administration – St. Louis.

Veteran Experience

Navy Wife

Following her military service, Ms. Salyer reunited with her husband, who continued his Naval service until the 1960s. Helen and Oz had four children: Kim, Mark, Scott, and Lucy. As a military family, the Salyers traveled around the United States and the world. The Salyer family lived in San Francisco, San Diego, Washington,  Japan, and South Carolina before eventually settling in the broader Los Angeles area in Canoga Park. 

Teacher and Community Member

As the family moved and grew with the inclusion of four children, Salyer continued to be active in the public sphere. She taught in local schools in Japan and the United States and eventually earned a Reading Specialist degree from The College of William and Mary. Ms. Salyer was active in her church, in volunteer activities with groups such as the Red Cross, and with her fellow Navy wives.

Los Angeleno

After the Salyer family moved to Canoga Park, Mrs. Salyer worked at Reseda and Tarzana elementary schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District. She taught third and fourth grades and continued her work as a reading specialist until her retirement in 1979. Her husband, Oz, died in 1983.

The Salyer family moved from the United States to Japan in 1953. Helen and her son Scott are seen on the lower deck of the ship. Courtesy of the Salyer Family.
The Salyer family moved from Japan to Charleston, South Carolina, in 1958. Helen Salyer resumed her work as an elementary teacher while raising four children. Charleston News and Courier, July 5, 1959.
Helen Salyer taught third and fourth grades at Tarzana Elementary School from 1966 to 1979, specializing in Reading. She made many lifelong friends while teaching. Courtesy of the Salyer family.

Commemoration

On July 19, 2018, Frances Helen Pyeatt Salyer passed away. She is buried with her husband, Oz, at the Los Angeles National Cemetery. Mrs. Salyer should be remembered for her lifelong service to her country and for challenging traditions that put people in boxes, while always finding the good in the world around us.

Helen Salyer with her children, Scott, Mark, Lucy, and Kim, in 2007. Courtesy of the Salyer Family.
Helen Salyer celebrated her 99th birthday in 2017. Courtesy of the Salyer Family.
Van Nuys High School students visited Helen and Oz Salyer’s grave at Los Angeles National Cemetery, March 27, 2026. Courtesy of Aditi Doshi.

Bibliography

Primary Sources

1940 Census of the Population: Volume II. U.S. Census Bureau. United States Government Printing Office, 1943. https://www.census.gov/library/publications/1943/dec/population-vol-2.html.

1950 Census of the Population: Volume I. U.S. Census Bureau. United States Government Printing Office, 1952. https://www.census.gov/library/publications/1952/dec/population-vol-01.html.

1950 Census of the Population: Volume II. U.S. Census Bureau. United States Government Printing Office, 1953. https://www.census.gov/library/publications/1953/dec/population-vol-02.html.

“Alumni Awards.” Weatherford College. Accessed December 14, 2025. https://wc.edu/about/alumni/alumni-awards.php.

California. San Diego County. 1950 U.S. Census.  Digital Images. http://ancestrylibrary.com.

“Cemetery association members get together to worship, eat, reflect.” Abilene Reporter News [Abilene, Texas], June 08, 1996. Newspapers.com (76575025).

Frances Helen Pyeatt, Official Military Personnel File, Department of the Navy, National Archives and Records Administration – St. Louis.

Frances Helen Pyeatt. Texas Department of Health, Birth Certificate. 1918. Digital Images. http://ancestrylibrary.com.

Frances H. Salyer. U.S. Public Records Index, 1950-1993, Volume 1. https://ancestrylibrary.com. 

“In Defense of Your Food Budget: Buy Here and Save.” McAllen Daily Press [McAllen, Texas], December 11, 1941. https://www.loc.gov/resource/sn86089716/1941-12-11/ed-1/?sp=5&st=image.

Kim Bryan Salyer. California, U.S., California Birth Index 1905-1995. Digital Images. http://ancestrylibrary.com. 

“Nuptial Ceremony Unites Prominent Couple of Area.” Wichita Falls Record News [Wichita Falls, Texas], April 3, 1945. Newspapers.com (775816784).

Mark Hamilton Salyer. California, U.S., California Birth Index 1905-1995. Digital Images. http://ancestrylibrary.com.

Olney High School Yearbook. Olney Public Schools, 1936. 

Oswald Salyer. U.S. School Yearbooks, 1900-2016. Digital Images. https://ancestrylibrary.com.

Oswald Bryan Salyer. U.S., Navy and Marine Corps Registries, 1814-1992. Digital Images. https://ancestrylibrary.com. 

Salyer Family Records. Courtesy of Kim, Lucy, and Mark Salyer. 

Salyer, Kim, Lucy Salyer, and Mark Salyer. Videoconference interview by the authors. February 8, 2026.

Scott T. Salyer. U.S., Public Records Index, 1950-1993, Volume 2. Digital Images. http://ancestrylibrary.com.

Texas. Johnson County. 1900 U.S. Census. Digital Images. http://ancestrylibrary.com.

Texas. Young County. 1930 U.S. Census. Digital Images. http://ancestrylibrary.com.

Texas. Young County. 1940 U.S. Census. Digital Images. http://ancestrylibrary.com.

U.S. Census Bureau. 1940 Census of Population: Volume I. Washington, DC: United States Government Printing Office, 1942. https://www.census.gov/library/publications/1942/dec/population-vol-1.html.

Secondary Sources

And Are We Yet Alive: Central Texas Conference Journal. United Methodist Church, 1984. https://centraltexas.s3.amazonaws.com/Journals/UMC-JOURNAL-1984-0001.pdf.

“Buying Bonds: Wartime Fundraising in North Texas.” UTA Libraries, University of Texas at Arlington. Accessed November 16, 2025. https://libraries.uta.edu/news/buying-bonds-wartime-fundraising-north-texas.

Crouch, Carrie. A History of Young County, Texas. Texas State Historical Association, 1956.

“Frances Helen Salyer.” Altogether. Accessed October 24, 2025. https://www.altogetherfuneral.com/obituaries/d-5405291/yuba-city-california/frances-helen-salyer/july-2018.

“Frances Helen Pyeatt Salyer.”  Find a Grave. Accessed December 14, 2025. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/192284545/frances-helen-salyer. 

“Frances Pyeatt Salyer.” Veterans Legacy Memorial, National Cemetery Administration. Accessed April 10, 2026. https://www.vlm.cem.va.gov/FRANCESPYEATTSALYER/BB5789C. 

George, Willard. The Impact of the Second World War upon Agriculture in Henderson County, Texas. North Texas State Teachers College, 1949.

“History of Camp Lejeune.” United States Marine Corps. Accessed March 28, 2026. https://www.lejeune.marines.mil/Offices-Staff/Environmental-Mgmt/Cultural-Resources/History-Live/History-of-Camp-Lejeune/

Krammer, Arnold. “‘When the Afrika Korps Came to Texas’: WWII POWs in the Lone Star State.” Humanities Texas. Accessed November 17, 2025. https://www.humanitiestexas.org/news/articles/when-afrika-korps-came-texas-world-war-ii-pows-lone-star-state.

“The Life and Legacy of Henry Leland Snow: Pioneer of Agricultural Aviation.” Texas State Historical Association. Accessed November 16, 2025. https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/snow-henry-leland.

McElhaney, Jackie, and Michael V. Hazel. A Comprehensive History of Dallas, Texas. Handbook of Texas, Texas State Historical Association. Updated May 31, 2025. Accessed April 10, 2026. https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/dallas-tx.

“Oswald Bryan Salyer.”  Find a Grave. Accessed April 10, 2026. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/3749482/oswald_bryan-salyer. 

Oswald Bryan Salyer. Veterans Legacy Memorial, National Cemetery Administration. Accessed April 10, 2026. https://www.vlm.cem.va.gov/OSWALDBRYANSALYER/73A5425. 

“Texas in World War II.” Texas Historical Commission. Accessed November 16, 2025. https://thc.texas.gov/learn/military-history/texas-world-war-ii.

Texas in World War II. Texas Historical Commission. Accessed November 16, 2025. https://thc.texas.gov/public/upload/publications/tx-in-wwII.pdf.

Texas History for Teachers – Texas in World War II. Video. [5:56]. August 12, 2024. University of North Texas Libraries. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSa59fmTiro.

This profile was funded by a grant from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. The opinions, findings, and conclusions stated herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.