Ruth Cheney Streeter

Ruth Cheney Streeter (October 2, 1895 – September 30, 1990) was the first director of the United States Marine Corps Women's Reserve (USMCWR). In 1943, she became the first woman to attain the rank of major in the United States Marine Corps when she was commissioned as a major on January 29, 1943. She retired in 1945 as a colonel. Born Ruth Cheney on October 2, 1895 in Brookline, Massachusetts. she graduated from Bryn Mawr College in 1918. On Jun... more

Ruth Cheney Streeter (October 2, 1895 – September 30, 1990) was the first director of the United States Marine Corps Women's Reserve (USMCWR). In 1943, she became the first woman to attain the rank of major in the United States Marine Corps when she was commissioned as a major on January 29, 1943. She retired in 1945 as a colonel. Born Ruth Cheney on October 2, 1895 in Brookline, Massachusetts. she graduated from Bryn Mawr College in 1918. On June 23, 1917, she married Thomas W. Streeter; they went on to have four children. They lived in Morristown, New Jersey, where she was involved in civic affairs, and served as the first woman president of the Morris County, New Jersey Welfare Board. In January 29, 1943, she was commissioned as a major and appointed director of the United States Marine Corps Women's Reserve. She was promoted to lieutenant colonel later that year, and to full colonel in 1944. She resigned her commission in December 6, 1945. During Streeter's tenure, the Women's... less