USC Marine History - 60th Birthday of Women in the Corps
Feb. 13 (2003) Marks 60th Anniversary of Women in the Corps
by Staff Sgt. Cindy Fisher
Marine Corps News
February 12, 2003
Marine Corps women from all stages of history displayed their uniforms.
WASHINGTON -- Lt. Gen. Thomas Holcomb, the 17th Commandant of the Marine Corps, announced the formation of the Marine Corps Women's Reserve Feb. 13, 1943. This announcement paved the way for the continuous service of women in the Marine Corps for the past 60 years.
Legend has it that the first woman actually served in the Marine Corps during the War of 1812. As the story goes, Lucy Brewer disguised herself as a man named George Baker and served as a Marine aboard the USS Constitution where she saw action during some of the bloodiest sea fights of the war. True or not, the story makes for an unusual addition to the Corps' treasure trove of colorful legends.
The first women officially served in the Marine Corps during World War I. In 1917, with countless young men volunteering for the Armed Forces, the labor potential of women became important for the first time in U.S. history. Pvt. Opha Mae Johnson became the first woman to enlist in the Marine Corps Reserve Aug. 13, 1918. A total of 305 women served in the Marine Corps Reserve during World War I. Most of these women Marines, referred to as Marinettes, freed male Marines from clerical billets at Headquarters Marine Corps, enabling them to fight in France. Others filled jobs at recruiting stations across the country. Although women didn't have the right to vote, they were willing and able to serve their country. Once the war ended, all were separated from service by June 30, 1919.
http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~uscnrotc/Alumni-USMC/mhistory/m-women-60.htm
