Minnie Spotted-Wolf

Who is Minnie Spotted-Wolf?

Private Minnie Spotted-Wolf was the first Native American woman to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. She enlisted in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve in July 1943.

Minnie, from Heart Butte, Montana, was a member of the Blackfoot tribe. Prior to joining the Marines, she had worked on her father's ranch doing such chores as cutting fence posts, driving a two-ton truck, and breaking horses. Her comment on Marine boot camp: "It was hard but when it was over, I was proud of myself and all that I accomplished."