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First Asian American woman to join U.S. Navy

Name: First Asian American woman to join U.S. Navy
Start: 1942-01-01

January 1, 1942

Susan Ahn Cudy

Susan Ahn became the first Asian American woman to join the U.S. Navy's WAVES program.

On January 1, 1942, Susan Ahn enlisted in the WAVES program, breaking racial and gender barriers to become the first Asian American woman in the U.S. Navy. This move was pioneering, as Susan had to overcome substantial discriminatory attitudes prevalent at the time.

Navy Veteran Susan Ahn Cuddy