Myrtle Rae Holthaus Hazard became the first woman to enlist in the United States Coast Guard on January 7, 1918.
On January 7, 1918, Myrtle Rae Holthaus Hazard became the first woman to officially enlist in the United States Coast Guard. This historic event occurred during World War I, a period that marked significant societal changes regarding gender roles in the workforce. Her enlistment was groundbreaking as it was the first time a female was formally inducted into a branch of the U.S. military with full duties and responsibilities.
Her role challenged traditional gender norms and paved the way for future generations of women aspiring to serve in the military, demonstrating that women could contribute significantly to national defense efforts.