Loretta Perfectus Walsh | |
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Born | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | April 22, 1896
Died | August 6, 1925 Olyphant, Pennsylvania, U.S. | (aged 29)
Allegiance | United States of America |
Service | United States Naval Reserve |
Years of service | 1917–1921 |
Rank | Chief Yeoman |
Loretta Perfectus Walsh (April 22, 1896 – August 6, 1925) was the first American woman to officially serve in the United States Armed Forces in a non-nursing capacity. She joined the United States Naval Reserve on March 17, 1917, and subsequently became the first female petty officer in the Naval Reserve when she was sworn in as Chief Yeoman on March 21, 1917.