From: Alabama Society DAR
Atagi Chapter, NSDAR
The Atagi Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) recognized the late local World War ll hero Helen Lattel during their chapter meeting on Saturday, October 16, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Prattville in Prattville, Ala.
Chapter Regent Betsy Skelton presided over the chapter meeting. “The Atagi Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution was honored to bestow the Women in American History Award to the late Prattville resident, Helen Lattal, and to have it received by her son, Paul Whaley II” said Atagi Chapter Librarian and Women in American History Award Chair, Kathy Clements.
The Women in American History Award is presented by the DAR to recognize women who have made a difference in their community through innovation in various fields.
Helen Lattal served during World War II as a secretary with the 8th Air Force, U.S. Army Air Forces, in England. Among her notable contributions, she prepared commendation awards for Captains Clark Gable and Jimmy Stewart. During her service, Helen Lattal witnessed the visit of the King and Queen of England to the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) detachment and experienced firsthand the German V-1 and V-2 rocket attacks on London while on leave.
Following her military service, Helen Lattal continued her distinguished career as a civilian employee at Craig Field Air Force Base in Selma and later at the Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base, in Montgomery, until her retirement in 1980. Her dedication extended to community service through the Black Belt American Red Cross, where she was recognized as “Volunteer of the Year.”
The Alabama Society DAR is made up of more than 4,300 women in 71 chapters across the state who can trace their lineage to patriots who fought for or provided aid to the American colonists during the Revolutionary War.
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism. With more than 185,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide, DAR is one of the world’s largest and most active service organizations.
DAR members are committed to volunteer service, having served more than 12.5 million hours in communities throughout the world during the past three years. To learn more about the work of today’s DAR, visit www.DAR.org or connect with DAR on social media at facebook.com/TodaysDar.
