August 13 – Opha Mae Johnson Becomes the First Female to Enlist in the Marine Corps

August 13, 1918

On August 13, 1918, Opha Mae Johnson became the very first female to enlist in the Marine Corps. She was 39 years old at the time and originally worked a civil service job at the Marine Corps Headquarters. From there, she worked her way up and eventually enlisted.

Many other women followed Johnson’s lead during World War I and afterward. She set the stage for women to enlist even before the 19th amendment was passed. Her example allowed many women to drastically help during wartime.

The “Molly Marine” statue in New Orleans was built in 1943 as the first statue depicting and honoring a female in a military uniform.

In 1955, Johnson passed away, leaving behind a groundbreaking legacy.