A History Of The Women Marines, 1946-1977"Despite the acknowledged contribution made by the 20,000 women Reservists who served in th e Marine Corps during World War II, there was no thought in 1946 of maintaining women on activ e duty or, for that matter, even in the Reserve forces . This volume recounts the events that brough t about the change in thinking on the part of Marines, both men and women, that led to the integra- tion of women into the Corps, to the point where they now constitute eight percent of our strength

Despite the acknowledged contribution made by the 20,000 women Reservists who served in the Marine Corps during World War II, there was no thought in 1946 of maintaining women on active duty or, for that matter, even in the Reserve forces. This volume recounts the events that brought about the change in thinking on the part of Marines, both men and women, that led to the integration of women into the Corps, to the point where they now constitute eight percent of our strength. A History of the Women Marines, 1946-1977 is almost entirely derived from raw files, interviews and conversations, newspaper articles, muster rolls and unit diaries, and materials loaned by Marines. There was no one large body of records available. In the course of the project, more than 300 letters were written to individuals, several mass mailings were made, and notices soliciting information were printed in all post and station newspapers, Leatherneck, Marine Corps Gazette, Retired Marine, and the newsletters of Marine Corps associations. More than 100 written responses were received and some women Marines generously loaned us personal papers and precious scrapbooks. Especially helpful in piecing together the events between World War II and the passage of the Women's Armed Services Integration Act were the scrapbooks of former Director of Women Marines Colonel Julia E. Hamblet, and former WR Dorothy M. Munroe. Taped interviews were conducted with 32 women, including former Director of the Women's Reserve Colonel Ruth Cheney Streeter. Researching this history was a challenge. Women's units were extremely difficult to find. Only those labeled "Women Marine Company" were easily identified. At times, days were spent screening the muster rolls of all the companies of all the battalions on a base looking for one with personnel having feminine first names. More recent unit diaries were even less useful since they are not signed by commanding officers and initials are used rather than first names. To add to the problem, the Corps had no system that permits a researcher to find a married woman when only her maiden name is known, or vice versa.

This book recounts the events that brought about the change in thinking on the part of Marines, both men and women that led to the integration of women into the Corp.

A sweeping review of the role of women within the American military from the colonial period to the present day. In America, the achievements, defeats, and glory of war are traditionally ascribed to men. Women, however, have been an integral part of our country's military history from the very beginning. This unprecedented encyclopedia explores the accomplishments and actions of the "fairer sex" in the various conflicts in which the United States has fought. An Encyclopedia of American Women at War: From the Home Front to the Battlefields contains entries on all of the major themes, organizations, wars, and biographies related to the history of women and the American military. The book traces the evolution of their roles—as leaders, spies, soldiers, and nurses—and illustrates women's participation in actions on the ground as well as in making the key decisions of developing conflicts. From the colonial conflicts with European powers to the current War on Terror, coverage is comprehensive, with material organized in an easy-to-use, A–Z, ready-reference format.

A sweeping history of emotional life that explores how 'Dear John' letters became a rite of passage for American servicemen.