Dreams of Service Amidst War
When the bombs fell on Pearl Harbor in 1941, a determined 28-year-old Dorothy "Dot" Cole decided to enlist. Even a rejection from the U.S. Navy due to her height didn't deter her. Instead, Cole turned her aspirations skyward, learning to fly with hopes of becoming a military pilot. She earned her pilot's license but found her service in the Women's Reserve Marine Corps limited to secretarial work. Undaunted, Cole served her country with dedication in Quantico, Virginia.
From Flying High to Secretarial Duties
Despite her dreams of taking to the skies in service, Dot's reality was grounded in the clerical tasks** allocated to many women of her time. From 1943 to 1945, Cole served as a Marine Sergeant but never got the chance to fly for the military. Nonetheless, her role was pivotal in supporting the war efforts behind the scenes.
A Life of Service and Family
After her discharge, Dorothy moved to San Francisco, marrying Wiley Cole and starting a family with their daughter, Beth.
Celebrated Legacy and Passing
Dorothy reached a milestone when she turned 107 in September 2020, honored as the oldest living Marine and receiving a lifetime membership in the Marine Corps League.
Although she passed away in January 2021, her legacy remains, survived by her daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. In life and death, Marine Sergeant Dorothy "Dot" Cole is remembered with profound respect.
Lest We Forget
Dorothy "Dot" Cole's life symbolizes a generation's courage and determination. We commemorate her service and the path she paved for future female Marines. Her story is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices and contributions of women in the military, often overlooked but always essential. Join us in honoring the legacy of this remarkable veteran. *Semper Fi, Sergeant Cole.*
