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History Through Headlines: Kokomo Native First Woman To Join Marine Corps

By Joe Hren

Posted August 17, 2018

Johnson-Enlistment-Photo.jpg

Opha May Johnson Enlistment Photo (Courtesy Photo)

It was August 13, 1918. Woodrow Wilson was president, the Boston Red Sox defeated the Chicago Cubs four games to two in the World Series, the Original Dixieland Jazz Band rounded out the top 40 with Tiger Rag.

And the first woman to enlist in the U.S. Marines hailed from Indiana.

Opha May Johnson was born in Kokomo, Indiana. There are few details about her childhood here.

But on August 13, 1918, she gained national attention when she was offered and took the opportunity to become the first woman to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps. Johnson’s example inspired more than 300 women to join the Marine Corps during World War I.

A hundred years later, the city where she was born celebrated her legacy.

Lieutenant General U.S. Marine Corps Retired Carol Mutter says Marines learn about Opha May early on in training.

“I went to Officer Candidates School in 1966, it was very unusual, we’re only one percent in the Marine Corps at that time," Mutter says. "So we stand on the shoulders of very tall, strong women who went before us." 

Just three months after Johnson’s enlistment, The Great War ended. But her legacy was written.

Women-Marines-Headline.jpg

 

Sergeant and Training Chief Rachel Mahan says as a woman, she knew it wouldn’t be as easy getting through the military, but wanted the challenge.

"Those women entering the military, they can see that any obstacle can be overcome," Mahan says. "Men and women are equal in our jobs and women can carry just as much as men." 

Johnson died in 1955. She’s buried in an unmarked grave at Washington DC’s Rock Creek Cemetery. The Women Marines Association is raising funds to place a marker at her burial site.

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