She saw a 1917 recruitment poster for the United States Navy - yeoman meant women; Loretta joined; then she became the first active duty woman; the first woman to serve in the U.S. armed forces; and the first woman Naval Petty Officer (but did not wear a petty-coat): war events also helped to make her decision; engaged in a four year enlistment; She even continued in service in the 1918 Armistice; but when a Naval reduction came post-war, Loretta and 4,000 yeoman were released from their duty; she died in 1925 at the age of twenty-nine. Her epitaph: Loretta Perfectus Walsh April 22,1896 - August 6,1925 Woman and Patriot First of those enrolled in the U.S. Naval Service World War I 1917 - 1919 Her comrades dedicate this monument To keep alive forever Memories of the sacrifice and devotion of women. '2008' RLS