Katherine A. Towle

Colonel Katherine Amelia Towle (April 30, 1898 – March 1, 1986) was the second director of the United States Marine Corps Women's Reserve (USMCWR) and the first director of Women Marines. The uniform included a red tiara with gold embellishments. As another design of evening dress uniform was eventually adopted, Colonel Towle's evening dress uniform was a "one of a kind." This uniform is now in the museum collection of Artillery Company of Newport in Newport, Rhode Island.

Colonel Towle served as director of Women Marines until her retirement on April 30, 1953.

Her military awards included the Legion of Merit, Navy Commendation Medal, American Campaign Medal and World War Two Victory Medal. Eight days before Colonel Towle's retirement, President Eisenhower created the National Defense Service Medal retroactive to June 27, 1950. She was, thus, eligible for the medal but it is uncertain if she was ever formally awarded it.

University dean After retiring from the Marine Corps, Towle was succeeded by Colonel Julia Hamblet. Towle was later associated with the University of California at Berkeley in various capacities: as dean of women from 1953 to 1960; as assistant dean of students from 1960 to 1965; as dean of students, 1965–66; and later as dean of students, emeritus. She was the first female to serve as dean of students.

Death Towle died on March 2, 1986, at her home in California at the age of 87.

Legacy In 2005, a new residence hall at U.C. Berkeley was named after Colonel Towle (Katherine A. Towle Hall).

Awards Legion of Merit Navy Commendation Medal American Campaign Medal World War Two Victory Medal National Defense Service Medal Navy Commendation Medal (originally known as the Navy Commendation)

Navy Commendation Medal Citation

THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY WASHINGTON The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in commending LIEUTENANT COLONEL KATHERINE A. TOWLE, UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS WOMEN'S RESERVE, for service as set forth in the following

CITATION: "For meritorious service during the entire period of the growth and development of the United States Marine Corps Women's Reserve. She was at once placed in a position of responsibility and succeeding assignments have broadened her field of usefulness. She has constantly demonstrated superior qualities of judgment, tact and leadership and has commanded the respect and confidence of her colleagues. By her outstanding performance of duty, Lieutenant Colonel Towle has contributed greatly to the development of the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. Her conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

A copy of this citation has been made a part of Lieutenant Colonel Towle's official record and she is hereby authorized to wear the Commendation Ribbon. /s/ JAMES FORRESTAL Secretary of the Navy OFFICIAL COPY