Minnie Spotted-Wolf
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Minnie Spotted-Wolf | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | June 20, 1923 |
| Died | July 8, 1987 (aged 64) Browning, Montana |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch | United States Marine Corps |
| Service years | 1943–1945 |
| Rank | Private |
| Conflicts | World War II |
| Alma mater | BS, Elementary Education, 1976 |
| Other work | Teacher |
Minnie Spotted-Wolf (1923–1987)[1] was one of the first Native American women to enlist in the United States Marine Corps.[2]
Minnie Spotted-Wolf enlisted in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve in July 1943.[3]
Spotted-Wolf, 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.[4] Known for her skill for breaking horses, she described Marine boot camp as: "hard but not too hard."[5]
She served on military bases in California and Hawaii. She worked as a heavy equipment operator and a driver for general officers.[4]
Press coverage of her wartime service included headlines like Minnie, Pride of the Marines, Is Bronc-Busting Indian Queen.[6]
She was discharged in 1947.[2]
After her military service, she returned to Montana, married Robert England, earned a degree in Elementary Education, and spent 29 years as a teacher.[4]
According to her daughter, "she could outride guys into her early 50s."[6]
Tribute
In 2019, a section of US Highway 89 in Pondera County, MT was dedicated as "Minnie Spotted-Wolf Memorial Highway”.[2]
