Primarily documents Kirkpatrick's work in naval intelligence as both a civilian and an officer in the U.S. Navy WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) during World War II; and her personal life after the war. Kirkpatrick discusses her civilian work in naval communications in Washington, D.C.; her decision to join the navy; her training at Smith College; her work in naval intelligence reconstructing Japanese coded messages, training new personnel, and conducting research; the Mount Vernon Seminary facility; her social life and schedule; and VE and VJ celebrations in Washington. She also briefly describes some of her post-war activities, including her travels across the United States; attending a management training program at Radcliffe on the GI Bill; remaining in the reserves; and her volunteer work and quilting. " Kirkpatrick also reflects on patriotism in Washington, D.C., and other parts of the country during the war; the atom bomb and how her feelings about the Japanese have changed since the war; feminism and being a stay-at-home mother; and her quilting and volunteer activities.