WATCH: 5 little-known stories from U.S. military history
Summary
The article shares five lesser-known stories from U.S. military history, focusing on unique people and groups who contributed during difficult times. It highlights a Marine Corps woman who promoted wearing red lipstick as a symbol of pride, and the story of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, a highly decorated Japanese American unit during World War II.Key Facts
- Lt. Col. Ruth Cheney Streeter was the first director of the Marine Corps Women's Reserve in World War II.
- Streeter worked with Elizabeth Arden in 1942 to create a red lipstick called "Montezuma red" to match the women Marines’ uniforms.
- All female recruits were issued a makeup kit and were required to wear the lipstick as part of their uniform.
- The Marine Corps is the only U.S. military branch that explicitly allows women to wear red lipstick with all uniforms.
- After Pearl Harbor, Japanese Americans faced forced relocation and discrimination, including being discharged from military programs.
- Japanese American soldiers, called Nisei, formed the Varsity Victory Volunteers to prove their loyalty by helping with military work in Hawaii.
- The ban on Japanese Americans serving in the military was lifted in 1943, allowing the Nisei to join the segregated 442nd Regimental Combat Team.
- The 442nd became the most decorated military unit in U.S. history for its bravery and sacrifice in World War II.
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