Born November 26, 1917 Mary Louise became the first Mexican-American woman from San Antonio to serve in the Women's Army Corps (WAC) during World War II. She served in the Signal Corps in communications and was eventually responsible for training new recruits. 

After her service in the WAC she went on to work as a Department of the Army civilian, eventually completing 34 years of government service. She never forgot her military service, and became a member of the American GI Forum of Illinois and the Veteran's Outreach Program of Illinois. She served on the Veteran's Advisory Council of the City of Chicago and was also a charter member and field representative for the Women's Veteran Memorial Wall Foundation. 

Mary Louise was honored for her service in and out of uniform by the National Association of Illinois Women's Veterans, the American GI Forum, and American Veterans (AMVETS). 
She passed away at the age of 96 on March 25, 2014 and was laid to rest with full military honors

Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery

Thank you for being one of the first female minority veterans. Thank you for your service!

MARY LOUISE CASTRO

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