HISTORY 1941 - 1945 World War II Through 1949

January 1943

Anne A. Lentz

First woman Marine of World War II

January 1943

February 1943

Colonel Ruth Cheney Streeter

Colonel Ruth Cheney Streeter, the first Director of the United States Marine Corps Women's Reserve.

February 1943

Spring of 1943

All-American Girls Base Ball League (AAGBBL)

three women marines wearing caps

With the United States deeply involved in World War II, the AAGPBL was established to provide entertainment and boost the nation’s morale.  Highlighted a few of the Marines who participated in the ground-breaking AAGPBL. 

Spring of 1943

October 1943

Native Women Marines

Marine Corps Women Reservists, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, October 16, 1943. From left: Minnie Spotted Wolf (Blackfoot), Celia Mix (Potawatomi), and Viola Eastman (Chippewa).   

October 1943

25 January 1945

Hawaii Duty

black and white photo of female marines with backpacks on a ship

First detachment of five officers and 160 enlisted women Marines arrives in Hawaii for duty.     

25 January 1945

1 September 1946

Demobilization

Demobilization procedures for women called for the mandatory resignation or discharge of all Women Reserves to be completed by 1 September 1946.

1 September 1946

4 November 1948

Going Regular

black and white photo of female marines taking their oath

First women to enlist in the regular Marine Corps were LtCol Towle, Major Hamblet, and 1stLt Hale.

4 November 1948