Who was the first female Marine officer?

The first female Marine officer was CAPT Anne Lentz. Her significant achievement came after the Marine Corps began to admit women into officer training courses in the 1970s. Lentz's commissioning marked a pivotal moment in the integration of women into military leadership roles. As a trailblazer, she paved the way for future generations of female Marines to hold positions of authority and responsibility within the Corps.

The other individuals listed are notable in their own rights within the Marine Corps but do not hold the distinction of being the first female officer. Major Mary C. McMahon and Colonel Linda S. Schwartz both contributed significantly to the Corps, but they came after CAPT Lentz in terms of service and recognition. LtCol Patricia H. Smith is also a distinguished figure, but she was not the first to hold the title of Marine officer among women. Understanding these historical milestones is crucial for appreciating the evolving role of women in the military and how it has shaped the modern Marine Corps.