Friday, April 3, 2015

Loretta Perfectus Walsh-- Part 3: Navy's First Woman

Loretta Walsh was one of the 13,000 World War I yeoman (F)s.

She caught influenza in the great epidemic and later contracted tuberculosis, dying on August 6, 1926, age 29, at Olyphant. Pennsylvania, and was buried at St. Patrick's Cemetery in Olyphant.

A monument marks her grave and has these words on it:

Loretta Perfectus Walsh
April 22, 1895- 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 her alive forever
memories of the sacrifice and devotion of womanhood

Now, I Know.

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