Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels approved women’s enlistment in the Marine Corps on August 8, 1918.
On August 8, 1918, Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels made a landmark decision by approving a plan to allow women to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps. This decision, unprecedented at the time, opened new avenues for women to serve in military roles previously reserved for men. During World War I, with many men serving overseas, there was an urgent need to fill critical positions. This approval was a progressive step towards gender equality and provided women like Opha May Johnson the opportunity to join the ranks.