featured balr

 Mrs. Claudine Kimball

Allow me to introduce an original BALR, Claudine Gayheart Kimball. She served in the US Marine Corp 1956 – 1959. Claudine Gayheart was 18 years old, from the farmland of Indiana, and wanted to do what she could in support of the troops. Although she wasn’t the first female to don the Marine uniform, she was definitely among the first. The  Marines Corp allowed women to join in June 1943. On Claudine's 18th birthday, she bravely took the oath. She remembers going to Stenographer school, one of the few jobs’ women were allowed to have.

She attended boot camp at Paris Island, SC. As for any hazing, she remembers the Drill Instructor banging on a 5-gallon metal trash can while screaming at them to ‘Wake-up! Wake-up! Hurry up and wake-up!’ I am sure most of us old-heads are nodding in appreciation of the same memory.

She recalls the only authorized lip stick was shocking red, and she was not in favor. She felt like it was too bold for her skin. But what’s a girl to do, it was red or nothing. It was available at the commissary, where other duty items were sold. She also recalls her uniform being inspected before meals, although she believes that was an intimidation tactic, her uniform was always gig free.

After bootcamp, when follow-on orders were being issued, she learned Paris Island would remain her address, as she was chosen to stay there. She was selected to work in the Recruiting office. After her tour, she was offered orders to Rome, Italy. Unfortunately, Rome had to wait. She met a good-looking man in uniform, Drill Instructor  RJ Kimball.  He swept her off her feet; they married and Claudine hung up her boots for good. 

Thank you, Claudine , for paving the way…