Sergeant Opha May Johnson, A Marine's Story
Sergeant Opha May Johnson, A Marine's Story
Sergeant Opha May Johnson was born on May 4, 1878, in Kokomo, Indiana. She later moved to Washington, D.C., where she graduated from Wood’s Commercial College in 1895, equipping herself with professional clerical skills that would prove invaluable in federal service.
Before the United States formally entered World War I, Johnson worked for the Interstate Commerce Commission. As the war intensified in Europe and America mobilized in 1917, the U.S. Marine Corps faced growing administrative demands. In 1918, the Marine Corps opened enlistment to women for the first time, allowing them to fill stateside clerical roles so that more men could deploy overseas.
On August 13, 1918, Opha May Johnson stood at the front of the line and enlisted. In doing so, she became the first woman officially recognized as a United States Marine. Her enlistment marked a turning point in Marine Corps history and formally opened the door for women to serve within its ranks.
Sergeant Johnson was assigned to clerical duties at Marine Corps Headquarters in Washington, D.C. While her work was administrative rather than combat-related, it directly supported the war effort and helped sustain the Corps during a time of global conflict.
Following the end of World War I, she was discharged from active service but continued her dedication to federal service by working for the War Department. She remained connected to the Marine Corps community and federal service until her retirement in 1943.
Sergeant Opha May Johnson died on August 11, 1955. She is buried at Rock Creek Cemetery in Washington, D.C.
Her enlistment in 1918 was not symbolic; it was official, recorded, and precedent-setting. Every woman who has worn the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor since stands in a lineage that begins with her.
She did not ask for history. She simply stepped forward first.
_____________________________________________________________________________
About the Author
a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller traveling through life
She shares her journeys at Take the Back Roads, explores new reads at Rite of Fancy, and highlights U.S. military biographies at Everyday Patriot.
You can also browse her online photography gallery at shop.takethebackroads.com.
✨ #TakeTheBackRoads
Enjoyed this post? Support the adventure by visiting my sponsors, shopping the gallery, or buying me a cup of coffee!
