Born: 9 November 1916, United States
Died: 11 December 2008
Country most active: United States
Also known as: Martha Settle
The following is republished from the Library of Congress. This piece falls under under public domain, as copyright does not apply to “any work of the U.S. Government” where “a work prepared by an officer or employee of the U.S. Government as part of that person’s official duties” (See, 17 U.S.C. §§ 101, 105).
Martha Putney refused to let others’ suppositions about her worth as a woman, or as an African-American service member, discourage her from doing anything she wanted. She had already earned her Master’s degree from Howard University by the time she entered a segregated Women’s Army Corps during World War II. Even though she was an officer, she still faced disrespect and harassment from white colleagues as well as civilians.
During her VHP interview, recorded when she was nearly 90 years old, Putney shares an encounter she had with a white, racist bunkmate who treated her with disdain, calling her “the n-word” multiple times. The woman eventually was forced to make an apology, although Putney was incredulous at its phrasing.
I didn’t know they let you kids in here with us…If my mother knew I was sleeping with you people, she’d want me to come home.
Putney quickly retorted at a volume only her nemesis could hear, “I suggest that you do what your mother would want you to do to feel comfortable.” Not surprisingly, life in the barracks soon took a slight turn for the better. After war’s end, Putney used the G.I. Bill to earn her Ph.D., and went on to live an even more successful life.