[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 139 (Tuesday, August 21, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S5755]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      REMEMBERING OPHA MAY JOHNSON

  Mr. YOUNG. Mr. President, August 13, 2018, marked the centennial of 
women serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. I am proud that Indiana was 
home to the first woman to serve in the Marine Corps, Opha May Johnson.
  Mrs. Johnson was born in Kokomo, IN, on May 4, 1878. Before becoming 
a marine at the age of 39, she graduated from Wood's Commercial 
Business College and worked diligently for 14 years in the Interstate 
Commerce Department.
  Like many Americans during WWI, Mrs. Johnson heeded the Nation's call 
and took the oath without hesitation on August 13, 1918. She was the 
first of 300 women who worked at the Marine Corps headquarters in 
Virginia. After 5 weeks in the service, she was promoted to the rank of 
sergeant and remained on Active Duty until February 1919, 3 months 
after the end of WWI. Mrs. Johnson remained in civil service until her 
retirement in 1943.
  Mrs. Johnson was the first of a group of trailblazing women in the 
Marine Corps, and it is with overwhelming pride that I recognize her 
service to this country. As a marine and Hoosier, I ask that you join 
me today in honoring Opha May Johnson and all of the courageous marines 
following in her footsteps.

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