Rose Franco facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rose Franco
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | January 22, 1934 Guánica, Puerto Rico |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1952-1977 |
| Rank |  Chief Warrant Officer 3 |
| Commands held | Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Navy |
| Awards |  Navy Achievement Medal Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal National Defense Service Medal |
Rose Franco was born on January 22, 1934. She is a retired officer from the United States Marine Corps. She made history as the first Hispanic woman to become a chief warrant officer in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Rose Franco grew up in a place called Ensenada, which is part of Guánica, Puerto Rico. This area is near the beautiful Guánica Bay. Even though her family didn't have much money, Rose worked hard in school. She finished both her elementary and high school education. Later, she even took some college classes in business.
Joining the Marines
When the Korean War started, Rose made a big decision. She decided to leave college and join the United States Marine Corps. Her family was surprised because, at that time, many people thought women should just get married and stay home. But Rose had her own ideas. She felt it was her duty to serve her country.
On February 8, 1952, when she was 20 years old, Rose joined the Marines. She went to Camp Lejeune in North Carolina for her basic training. After that, she received more advanced training. Her first job was helping with supplies and administration at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in California.
Returning to Service
In 1956, Rose finished her first four years in the Marines. She went back to Puerto Rico and started working for Pan American Airlines. However, she found the office job boring. Soon, she decided to rejoin the Marines!
She was sent to work in Garden City, New York. While there, she also went to Long Island University at night. After two years, she moved to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in Parris Island, South Carolina, where she continued her administrative work.
Working at the Pentagon
In 1965, something very important happened. Rose Franco was chosen to be the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Navy, Paul Henry Nitze. This was during the time Lyndon B. Johnson was president. Because of her excellent work, she was promoted to the rank of Warrant Officer.
Rose began working at The Pentagon in Washington, D.C.. At that time, she was one of only 11 women Warrant Officers in the entire Marine Corps. She held many important jobs at The Pentagon throughout her career.
Rose Franco retired from the Marine Corps in 1977. She had reached the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 3. After retiring, she moved back to Puerto Rico, where she lives today.
Awards and Recognition
Rose Franco received several awards for her service in the Marine Corps. These awards show her dedication and hard work.
- Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal
- Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (with 3 bronze service stars)
- National Defense Service Medal (with 1 bronze service star)
Badges:
See also
- List of Puerto Ricans
- List of Puerto Rican military personnel
- Puerto Rican women in the military
- Hispanics in the United States Marine Corps
- History of women in Puerto Rico
