In 1943, who was the first woman to enlist on active duty in the Marine Corps?

In 1943, who was the first woman to enlist on active duty in the Marine Corps?

• A. Opha Mae Johnson
• B. Anne Lentz
• C. Lucille McClarren
• D. Annie Grimes

Answer: (C)

This item tests understanding of when women began serving on active duty in the Marine Corps during World War II and who among the listed individuals was first to enlist in that 1943 period. In 1943 the Marine Corps established the Women’s Reserve, allowing women to enlist and serve on active duty in support roles to free male Marines for combat. Among the names given, Lucille McClarren is recognized as the first woman to enlist on active duty in the Marine Corps during that 1943 timeframe, which is why she is the correct choice. It’s helpful to remember that Opha Mae Johnson is historically noted as the first woman to enlist in the Marine Corps, but her enlistment occurred in 1918, not in 1943. The other names are less central to the 1943 first-enlistment record.

This item tests understanding of when women began serving on active duty in the Marine Corps during World War II and who among the listed individuals was first to enlist in that 1943 period. In 1943 the Marine Corps established the Women’s Reserve, allowing women to enlist and serve on active duty in support roles to free male Marines for combat. Among the names given, Lucille McClarren is recognized as the first woman to enlist on active duty in the Marine Corps during that 1943 timeframe, which is why she is the correct choice. It’s helpful to remember that Opha Mae Johnson is historically noted as the first woman to enlist in the Marine Corps, but her enlistment occurred in 1918, not in 1943. The other names are less central to the 1943 first-enlistment record.