Women Marines
Women Marines had existed during WWI, and the program was reenstated in November of 1942. While unpopular with the head brass in the Marine Corps, the idea was popular with the Roosevelts, and Mrs. Roosevelt ensured that the women Marines were trained even in the use of fire arms. They were trained at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and recieved the same pay and benefits as male Marines with the exception of a dependants allowance. Unlike most women's organizations, they had no official nicknames. The Corps felt that they didn't need one, however, several "unofficial" ones appeared - Lady Leathernecks, SheMarines, FeMarines, BAMS (Bad Assed Marines).|
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More than 20,000 Women Marines to serve in the Western Hemisphere (including Alaska and Hawaii) during WWII. Like the WACs, the Women Marines often supported Marine air squadrons in roles such as parachute riggers, aviation mechanics, although they also served as typists, drivers, clerks, photographers, accountants and chemists. The control tower at Cherry Point, NC. was operated almost entirely by women Marines.
The Women Marines wore a similar uniform to that of their male counterparts in traditional Marine green. For information about putting together a Women Marine living history impression, visit the reenactor's guide.
Recommended Reading on Women Pilots in WWII:
- Free A Man to Fight: Women Marines in WWII
- Women Marines: the WWII Era
- Women's Marine Corps Band in WWII
- Navy and Marine Women in WWI
