A bit of naval history was made a hundred years ago when twenty year old Loretta Perfectus Walsh enlisted in the Navy as a Yeoman F, becoming the first woman to be a member of the US military. Some 13,000 women would serve in the Navy as Yeomen, or Yeomanettes as they were often unofficially called, during World War I as clerical personnel, freeing up men for sea duty. Walsh served her four year tour and tragically died of tuberculosis at age 29 in 1925. She was buried in Saint Patrick’s Cemetery in Olyphant, Pennsylvania. Her tombstone bears the following inscription:
Loretta Perfectus Walsh
April 22, 1896–August 6, 1925
Woman and Patriot
First of those enrolled in the United States Naval Service
World War 1917–1919
Her comrades dedicate this monument
to keep alive forever
memories of the sacrifice and devotion of womanhood
Donald R. McClarey
Paul Zummo
Almost Chosen People 