SFC Lavone Durant and CPL Marvel Joos

The U.S. Army Military Police Corps Regimental Museum, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri,received a collection of artifacts and archival materials from a former female soldier who served as an MP at the St. Louis Union Station from 9 February 1945-1946.

Marvel L. Reid (nee Joos), originally from North Dakota, entered the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) on 18 February 1943 in Fort Des Moines, IA. After completing her WAAC basic training, she remained at Fort Des Moines as a shipping and receiving checker until she sought reassignment in early 1945, which led to her service as an MP in St. Louis.

The WAAC formally became a part of the U.S. Army in July of 1943 as the Women's Army Corps (WAC); Cpl. Joos entered Army service on 1 September 1943. She was discharged as a staff sergeant on 3 June 1946.

"On our first day of duty we were descended upon by reporters and camera persons from the St. Louis Dispatch and the St. Louis Times. We were the first two service women assigned to public duty in the USA."

-Marvel Joos

Cpl. Joos on duty at Union Station
(St. Louis), February 1945

Uniform jacket belonging to Marvel Joos

SSG Joos' Women's Winter Off-duty dress

SSG Joos' Women's All-Weather Utility Coat

SSG Joos' Women's High top shoes