The city of New Orleans dedicated the first United States monument of a woman in service uniform: “Molly Marine” November 10, 1943. A local recruiter commissioned the statue to help recruit women during World War II. For female Marines around the world, Molly has come to represent the countless significant contributions they have made to the Corps. She has become a symbol of esprit de corps for all women Marines. Just before graduation from boot camp, the female recruits are asked to name one woman within their platoon who best exemplifies esprit de corps. Here, we celebrate two of our newest sisters, Privates First Class Michelle McEvoy and Tiffany Baker, who’ve been recognized as Molly Marines.
PFC Michelle A. McEvoy, Platoon 4015, O Company, Wood Dale, IL
“I was chosen as Molly Marine for my efforts of motivating my platoon and being someone that everyone can look up to. I’ve tried to set high goals for my platoon so that recruits would push themselves to be the best. When my fellow recruits see that one recruit can do something with 100 percent effort, they put out that much effort as well. This encourages recruits because we know that if someone didn’t step up and set these standards, it would be a domino effect and no one would put forth the effort. As Molly Marine, I have shown discipline and this has set the example for not only my fellow recruits to follow, but for me to follow as well. Even in times when I wanted to give up, I knew that I couldn’t because that would show my weakness to the platoon and others would think it would be okay to quit on themselves as well. Motivating the platoon helps recruits push through because they can see that we are all pushing through the same pain as a team. To me, Molly Marine is that female in the Corps that everyone should strive to be. I was chosen as the Molly Marine and the only thing I can hope to do is continue to set the example, give all I have, motivate others in the fleet and inspire other females to become a Molly Marine, whether they get recognized for it or not.”
PFC Tiffany L. Baker, Platoon 4014, O Company, Sigourney, IA
“Every recruit that stands on the infamous yellow foot prints has a reason for doing so. For some it’s educational benefits, others it’s the pride of belonging to the most elite fighting force in the world. But, for a select handful, the reasons run as deep and wide as the Marine Corps’ honored and respected history. It’s within these recruits that the true meaning of esprit de corps comes shining through…there is only one Molly Marine from the beginning to the end. For her, leadership comes naturally and it’s obvious. It’s a different type of leadership from the typical, in your face, Marine Corps way. She leads with her heart and mind working as one. She may not always be physically superior or be the top shooter. But what she lacks there, she more than makes up for in courage and enthusiasm. When there’s an obstacle, she’s the first to give encouragement and a solution to the problem at hand. She uses personal experiences to relate herself to her peers and proves that ambition, drive and patience are enough to conquer any and all challenges. The Molly Marine is a leader. She never withholds knowledge and is constantly seeking self-improvement. She knows her peers and constantly looks out for their well-being by always putting herself last. She’s always dependable and loyal. Above all, she has the endurance to stay mentally, physically and morally reliable. She exemplifies all traits that encompass our core values. She holds the respect of her peers by having the courage to admit her faults and the strength to overcome them gracefully.”