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Cpl Bonnie Mae Medin Oral History
Publication date: 31 July 2024
File metadata
Dublin Core Metadata
title:
Cpl Bonnie Mae Medin Oral History
creator:
Medin, Bonnie Mae (Smallwood) (1917 November 29 - )
subject:
Marine Corps Women's Reserve
description:
Bonnie Mae Medin (formerly Smallwood) was born on November 29, 1917 in Red Oak, Oklahoma. After graduating from high school, she attended Oklahoma Baptist University and got a bachelor’s degree in music education. She began teaching high school music, but when men left to join the service in 1941 the music program folded and she taught other subjects. She worked as a civilian for the Navy in McAlester, Oklahoma before enlisting in the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve in September 1943. After basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina, she stayed at the base as a member of the Marine Corps band. In 23 months, the 43-member band played 510 official performances, including playing at military hospitals and expos around the country. She was discharged in December 1945, returning to Oklahoma and teaching at the local high school in the city of Stigler and Eastern Oklahoma Junior College along with working at a local radio station. She married a former Marine, who worked as a choir director as a civilian. When she left the service Medin had reached the rank of corporal, and for her service she was awarded a Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, and World War II Victory Medal. No transcript of this interview is currently available.
publisher:
Military Women's Memorial Foundation
contributor:
Wilson, Eleanor M.
date:
2002-09-01
type:
Audio
format:
Cassette
identifier:
634; 2002.634
source:
MCHC | CLIR - Recordings at Risk
language:
English
relation:
061807
coverage:
World War II (1939-1945) | 1943-45
rights:
Unrestricted