Oral History Interview with Marie Johnson

Partial Transcript: Marie Elizabeth Lynon. The date is . . .

Segment Synopsis: Johnson was born in Cynthiana to a preacher father and moved around a lot as a child because of her father's work. Johnson initially lived in Cynthiana, but moved to Harrodsburg when she was thirteen, and then to Ashland and finally graduated high school in Versailles.

Keywords: Ministers

Subjects: African Americans; Ashland (Ky.); Blacks; Brothers; Childhood; Church; Cynthiana (Ky.); Early life; Education; Father; Harrodsburg (Ky.); Kentuckians; Kentucky; Religion; Schools; Siblings; Sisters; Versailles (Ky.); Women veterans

Partial Transcript: What was your first knowledge of the military?

Segment Synopsis: When Johnson read about the events of World War II, she wanted to make her own contribution to the war effort. Johnson's husband was in the Army, and she notes that the units she trained in were segregated. Johnson enjoyed the training and the free time the trainees received. Johnson describes her training experience in Iowa. Johnson adds that her family was very supportive of her joining the Army.

Keywords: Family; Husband; Women's Army Corps (U.S.)

Subjects: African Americans; Americans; Basic training; Blacks; Des Moines (Iowa); Discrimination; Friendship; Iowa; Leisure; Marching; Patriotism; Prejudice; Racism; Running; Segregation; Snow; United States. Army; War; Weather; Women veterans; World War II

Partial Transcript: Now, when you finished your basic training, did they give you choices of what you could do?

Segment Synopsis: After completing her basic training, Johnson was sent to Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park and was assigned to bakers and cooks school. Johnson says that there were many Black women attending the cooking school. Johnson adds that she was permitted to socialize with white men and women training at the cooking school. Overall, the military was a good experience for Johnson, and she was able to work out most problems that occurred at the base independently. Johnson says there were very few people from Kentucky on the base. Johnson was part of the first group of African American women that were part of the U.S. Army.

Keywords: Assignments; Black officers; Women's Army Corps (U.S.)

Subjects: African Americans; Bakers; Blacks; Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park (Ga. and Tenn.); Cooking; Discrimination; Food; Kentuckians; Kentucky; Prejudice; Segregation; Tennessee; United States. Army; Women; Women veterans; World War II

Partial Transcript: When it got close to you being time to get out, what were your plans?

Segment Synopsis: When Johnson got out of the military, she returned to Kentucky and later got married. Johnson attended Midway College (now known as Midway University) and describes the campus, what she was studying, and the close-knit campus community. Johnson says that there were many black churches in Midway. Overall, Johnson feels that she had a good experience in the military.

Keywords: Husband; Midway College

Subjects: African Americans; Blacks; Church; Communities; Kentuckians; Kentucky; Marriage; Midway (Ky.); Religion; Retirement; United States. Army; Women veterans; World War II