On January 31, 1917, Germany announced it would henceforth begin unrestricted submarine warfare on all ships, including U.S. flagged ones. On March 12, 1917, all American merchant ships in war zones were ordered to be armed and to fire on any U-boats they encountered.
It was during this period that Loretta Walsh enlisted for a four-year term. On March 19, 1917, the U.S. navy Department authorized the enrollment of women in the Naval Reserve with a yeoman and other ratings. This was in anticipation of a manpower crunch forthcoming. The women yeoman received a Yeoman (F) classification. They were commonly referred to as Yeomanettes.
Just twelve days after her enlistment. President Wilson asked Congress for a declaration of war, which it did on April 6, 1917.
After the war ended, the Navy began a numbers reduction and by 1919, just 4,000 women remained in the ranks. At that time, Loretta Walsh and all others were released but continued in inactive reserve status. She continued that until the end of her four-year enlistment on March 17, 1921.
--Cooter
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