Women Marines Association IL-2 Blanche S. Osborne
Middle row L to R: Mirasol M, Lisa B, Chris J, Joanne M
Back row L to R: Jennifer S, Stephanie K, Maggie J, Vicki C, Suzy K
IL-2 made sure to put a smile on the face of life member of Muriel Underwood. Due to a few health issues Muriel has not been able to drive to meetings. Her chapter decided to take their meeting to her.
Muriel is a WWII Veteran
War or Conflict
World War, 1939-1945
Military Status
Veteran
Dates of Service
1943-1945
Entrance into Service
Enlisted
Branch of Service
Women Marines
Location of Service
California
Highest Rank
Corporal
Cite as:Muriel F. Underwood Collection
(AFC/2001/001/08584), Veterans History Project, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress
From her website we learn so much more from Muriel.
Muriel began making her books in 1990. She has designed, printed, and bound about three dozen books, mostly miniature size 2 3/4 inches by 3 inches, on a variety of subjects. Most of the text is from outside sources; a few she has written herself. She uses a variety of illustrations, some of which she creates.
Muriel was born in 1923 in Chilicothe, Illinois, to a railroad engineer and a housewife. After high school she worked as a mimeograph operator at a General Mills sales office in Chicago. Looking for something more exciting, she joined the U.S. Marine Corp. in 1943 but ended up as a mimeograph operator at a base in San Diego. She continues to be involved in the Women Marines Association and serves as president of the local chapter. She also edits their newsletter.
After discharge from the Marines in 1946, she attended the Art Institute of Chicago. From there she began working as an art director at a textbook publisher. In 1970 she began freelancing in graphic design. She is also a member of the Caxton Club of Chicago, the Civil War Round Table of Chicago, and the Stephen A. Douglas Society. She volunteers at the Newberry Library summer book sale.
Muriel is a member of the Miniature Book Society and regularly attends their annual meetings.
In March of 2010, Muriel Frieda Underwood was named, Veteran of the Month, in Chicago during the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs “Salute to Women Veterans” as part of National Women’s History Month.
We salute Muriel for all of her support to WMA and her service in the Marine Corps.
IL-2 BLANCHE S OSBORNE
chapter email: IL2@womenmarines.org
https://sites.google.com/site/womenmarineassociation/home
https://www.facebook.com/Woman-Marines-Association-IL-2-Blanche-S-Osborne-Detachment-353056361382422/
Congratulations to the 2020 – 2022 IL-2 Board
Stephanie Kifowit-President
Jennifer Slown- Vice President
Lisa Bauc-Secretary
Maggie Jablonska- Treasurer