Kate I. Germano Collection
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Oral History interview with Kate I. Germano
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Primarily documents the life of Kate I. Germano and her service with the United States Marine Corps. Germano recalls feeling devastated when she was not accepted to the United States Naval Academy, but how this rejection only increased her desire to join the U.S. Navy. She also discusses how joining the military created a special bond between herself and her father that she feels would not have otherwise existed. Germano describes the sadness she felt when having to track casualties and issue death notifications, and how she eventually had to request another job because of the job stress. She also recalls the gratification she received from mentoring navy recruits and awarding Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps scholarships. She discusses her controversial stint as commander of the 4th Recruit Training Battalion and how her work to raise the standards for the training of female recruits resulted in her being relieved of command.
