Floetta Marie Barton
In October 1943, fueled by a desire to travel outside of her hometown, Floetta Marie Barton (née Brown), enlisted in the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve.
After completing boot camp, Barton travelled to Quantico, Virginia, to replace a Marine sergeant who was sent overseas. According to Barton, the sergeant’s wife did not take kindly to her arrival and was openly rude to her. “I was responsible for her husband [having] to be shipped overseas.”
Although Barton spent only two years in the service, her time as a Marine left a permanent impression on her. “As I look back, it was a wonderful experience…. I know I am a better person having served in the Marine Corps…. I have a greater understanding of what it means to be an American.”
Floetta Marie Barton Collection (AFC/2001/001/5997)
Veterans History Project, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress
