Tweet

First Female Marine - Opha May Johnson

On August 13, 1918, Opha May Johnson enlisted in the Marine Corps.

In 1918, as World War I was coming to an end, the number of male Marines deployed overseas led to the Marine Corps allowing women to enlist for the first time, filling the vacancies (primarily administrative) left by the deployed Marines. On August 13, 1918, approximately 300 women enlisted in the Marine Corps reserves, with Opha May Johnson being the first. Her first duties were as a clerk at the Headquarters of the Marine Corps (HQMC) in Arlington, Virginia, managing the records of other female reservists.

Learn more about the first female Marine, Opha May Johnson!
Parris Island Bulldog Mascot Honors Opha May

Three Reasons to Shop with Us

CLICK TO SHOP NOW

1. We are an official trademark licensee of the United States Marine Corps. Royalty fees support Marine Corps morale programs on posts around the world.
2. As a nonprofit corporation, 100% of the proceeds support our outreach programs.
3. We have great products and designs for every member of your family!

Marine Parents a Place to Connect & Share® is a registered trademark of the United States Marine Corps. Used with permission. Content and graphics copyright to Marine Parents, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide. For additional information on legal use, please visit the legal page of our website. Marine Parents is an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) public charity.