Brigadier General Margaret Ann Brewer, A Marine's Story

 

Brigadier General Margaret Ann Brewer, A Marine's Story

Brigadier General Margaret Ann Brewer Born July 1, 1930 - Died January 2, 2013

Brigadier General Margaret Ann Brewer holds a unique and celebrated place in Marine Corps history. Not only did she dedicate nearly three decades to the Corps, but she also broke one of its most enduring barriers, becoming the first woman ever promoted to the rank of general officer in the United States Marine Corps.

Born on July 1, 1930, in Durand, Michigan, Margaret Ann Brewer graduated from the University of Michigan before accepting her commission as a Marine Corps officer in 1952. At a time when women’s roles in the military were heavily limited, she entered the Corps with determination, professionalism, and a strong sense of service.

Her early assignments included duty as a communications watch officer at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, followed by Inspector-Instructor service for a Women's Marine Reserve unit in Brooklyn. She went on to command Women Marine companies at both Norfolk and Camp Lejeune, later returning to Quantico as both an instructor and the commanding officer of the Women Officer School.

Throughout the Vietnam era, Brewer served in administrative, training, and public affairs roles during a time of enormous institutional change. In 1973, she became the seventh and final Director of Women Marines, guiding the transition as women became fully integrated within the Marine Corps.

Her last active-duty assignment was at Headquarters Marine Corps, where she served first as Director of Information and then Director of Public Affairs. On May 11, 1978, she became the Marine Corps’ first female general officer.

She retired on July 1, 1980, after 28 years of service.

Brigadier General Margaret Brewer’s commitment to public service didn’t end when she left the Marine Corps; in many ways, it expanded.

After retirement, Brewer devoted herself to humanitarian and civic causes. She became a prominent figure in Washington, D.C., serving on the boards of several nonprofit and public service organizations.

Most notably, she served as: Executive Director of the Girl Scouts of the USA’s Capital Council, where she championed leadership opportunities for young women,  A member of the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services (DACOWITS), helping shape military policy toward women A volunteer and board member for the Women in Military Service for America Memorial Foundation, supporting the creation of the memorial at Arlington A tireless advocate for veteran causes, continuing to mentor and support women entering military leadership roles.

General Brewer’s post-military achievements demonstrated the same traits she embodied in uniform: clarity, professionalism, and a quiet but unshakable strength. Her work helped build institutions that empower women, honor veterans, and encourage future generations to serve.

Brigadier General Brewer passed away in 2013, but her legacy is enduring, both within the Marine Corps and far beyond it. Her life reflects the many forms service can take: leadership, mentorship, dedication to others, and the courage to build doors where none previously existed.

Brigadier General Margaret Ann Brewer, Marine, is a trailblazer and lifelong servant to her country and community.

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About the Author
a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller based in Tontitown, Arkansas.

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.

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