Some legacies are written in books; others are passed down through stories. The legacy of Staff Sgt. Joyce B. Malone, however, is built into the very foundation of a headquarters at Fort Bragg, a permanent testament to a life defined by service. Before she became a respected Non-Commissioned Officer in the U.S. Army, Malone was already a well-known and influential figure in her local community. As a Fayetteville civic leader, she had dedicated herself to the betterment of her city, earning a reputation for her integrity, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the people around her.
Her path took a pivotal turn with the advent of World War II, a period that called upon Americans from all walks of life to serve in new and unprecedented ways. Answering this call, Malone enlisted in the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC), later known as the Women’s Army Corps (WAC). This was a groundbreaking decision.
The WAAC was a new and vital organization, allowing women to serve in non-combat roles for the first time, freeing up men for combat duty. For a woman, particularly a woman of color from that era, to step into this new world was an act of profound courage and patriotism. She was not just joining the army; she was joining a movement that would forever change the role of women in the American military.
Her dedication and natural leadership qualities, honed during her time as a civic leader, did not go unnoticed. Malone’s military career saw her assigned to the 1st Logistical Command at Fort Bragg, a critical hub of military operations. In this role, she was part of the essential backbone of the Army, involved in the complex and demanding work of ensuring that soldiers and missions were properly supplied and supported.
Her meticulous work and steadfast reliability made her an invaluable asset to her unit and a role model for her fellow soldiers. She embodied the NCO creed of duty, responsibility, and care for her soldiers long before it was formally codified.
Her impact was so profound that it echoed long after her service ended. In a fitting and lasting tribute, the 1st Sustainment Command (Theater) Special Troops Battalion headquarters at Fort Bragg was officially named in her honor. The naming of a military building is one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a soldier, reserved for those whose contributions are deemed truly exceptional. For Staff Sgt.
Malone, it signifies that her legacy of excellence, leadership, and pioneering spirit continues to watch over the soldiers who walk those halls today. Her story is a powerful reminder that service takes many forms, and true leaders inspire action and build legacies not just on the battlefield, but in the heart of their communities and in the vital support roles that form the bedrock of the armed forces.