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 Jessica Wolfe and Brittany May, who’ve been recognized as Molly Marines.
PFC Brittany R. May, Platoon 4012, N Company, Snellville, MA
“I remember the first night I arrived, stepping off the yellow footprints and making my way back into the classroom to meet the other recruits. I did not know it then, but they would soon be the young women that I have grown so close to in Platoon 4012. As we were sitting there in silence, some were scared, and some were confused. I, on the other hand, was still, calm and collected…and I was made the guide. I accepted my responsibilities and performed to the best of my ability, not only for my Senior Drill Instructor, but for my fellow recruits as well. Every day was a challenge, I had to move, think, react twice as fast as the rest of the platoon just to be on the same page as everyone else, and even then it was not enough. I did my absolute best to put the platoon before myself. . I appreciate their respect for me, and the guide position, and it is an absolute honor to be platoon 4012’s Molly Marine.”
PFC Jessica L. Wolfe, Platoon 4013, N Company, Austintown, OH
“I was just another face on campus, another daughter, sister, or aunt. Of course, I had a purpose in the civilian world but I always knew something was missing. After realizing I needed to follow my dream to join the military I began training myself both physically and mentally, trying to imagine what I was about to get myself into. My preparation seemed as if it lasted forever and the anticipation ate me alive. I constantly thought about the challenge that was ahead of me and couldn’t wait to face it, but beyond wanting the challenge, beyond my desire to attain real leadership, was the fact that I knew I was called to serve my country. It was time and what better service than the best; the United States Marine Corps. It wasn’t long before I caught on to the routine and realized how selfish we all were acting. I started stepping it up, helping out, and communicating more with recruits on free time, which started a trend within the platoon. I started to notice more teamwork and fewer individuals. It was through those acts of selflessness that we developed into a team; a sisterhood. When we march on the parade deck, it’s the sound of every step we take together, the rhythm we create that unites us. DI SSgt Madrid said it best, “we march as one team, one blood, one beat.” The chills that ran through my body after hearing her words will always inspire me in so many ways, but most of all, it hit every heart in this platoon. My blood, sweat and tears, OUR blood sweat and tears got us here and I’m ready to keep on giving. I’m more than willing to do all that it takes to receive that Eagle, Globe and Anchor. This is my true purpose, to be here, to train and learn everything essential to become a United States Marine. I can’t wait for the day when I can finally say I’ve earned the right to defend this country, to fight for our freedom and to know the true feeling of what it’s like to be a part of the best.”
