“Free a Man to Fight.” That’s the powerful motto inscribed on the pedestal of Molly Marine, a statue honoring women in the US Marine Corps. Most people hurry past it, fighting traffic. They never notice this unique statue. It still has importance in the US Marine Corps today.
Let’s pause here at the intersection of Canal Street and Elk Place in New Orleans. I want to tell you the story of Molly Marine. She stands proudly beneath the live oak trees in what locals call the Neutral Ground.
During World War II, women were allowed to join the US military. The Marine Corps officially opened to women in February 1943. Major General Thomas Holcomb directed that the female members would be known as Women Reservists.
Recruiting faced challenges due to negative press. Marine Technical Sergeant Charles Gresham decided a statue would help. He asked local sculptor Enrique Alférez to create it. Alférez, born in Mexico, had been a mapmaker in Pancho Villa’s army. He later became a prominent artist in New Orleans.
Alférez agreed and donated his time. He’d wanted to join the Marines but couldn’t due to immigrant restrictions. Wartime rationing meant he couldn’t use bronze. So, Alférez used cement made from granite and marble chips.
The statue depicts a young woman in uniform. She holds a clipboard and binoculars. She gazes skyward searching for aircraft. Molly Marine reaches 12 feet high. She was unveiled on November 10, 1943. It was the 168th birthday of the US Marine Corps. Molly was the first statue of a woman in uniform in the United States.
Molly Marine’s impact continued. In 1969, the first Molly Marine Awards were approved. They honored graduates from various Woman Marine courses. Initial recipients received miniature statues. The awards for officers were eventually discontinued.
Over the years, Molly Marine faced wear and weathered storms. Women Marines have periodically banded together to repair her. The original statue remains on display in New Orleans. In the late 1990s, a mold was made. Two bronze replicas were cast. One stands at Parris Island, South Carolina. The other is at Quantico, Virginia.
Today, the Molly Marine Award is given to one recruit in each graduating platoon at Parris Island. Peers choose the recipient. She must demonstrate qualities of an exemplary Marine.
For over 75 years, Molly Marine has inspired young women. She encourages them to embody the values of the US Marine Corps. Marines often leave flowers and tokens. So, remember Molly Marine and the thousands of women who have served.
Also remember Col. Joanne F. Sheridan. In 2012, she became the first female general officer in the Louisiana National Guard.
Remember Pvt. Journae Q. King. She became the first woman in the Louisiana Army National Guard to enlist as a field artillery specialist.
Next time you are driving down Canal Street, remember Molly Marine. She represents the spirit and dedication of women in the armed forces.