Stellar service in the military

    Gunny Sgt. Ruth Ann McCannell served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 30 years.
    After basic training at Parris Island, S.C., McCannell was stationed at Camp Pendleton, Ca. where she was meritoriously promoted to Sergeant on June 1, 1957, for excellence in her job as an accountant.
    McCannell was stationed in Long Island, N.Y. and pursued her primary Military Occupational Specialty in accounting. She earned a Meritorious Mast for Outstanding Performance and Attention to Duty and at the same time was among one of the first woman Marines to be awarded Outstanding Effectiveness pay.
    Her career continued as a Marine recruiter in Kansas City, Mo. where she was awarded Under Military Occupational Specialty 8411 proficiency pay based on superior performance. She was also nominated in June 1964 for appointment under the fiscal year 1965 Warrant Officer Program and again in March of 1966 she was recommended for selection to Second Lieutenant.
    After returning as a recruiter for the second time to Missouri, McCannell received from the Commandant of the Marine Corps, Washington D.C. a letter of noteworthy achievement with a Silver Medallion for widespread recognition for Women Marines on their 25th anniversary.
    For support given by McCannell to the Marine Corps Parents of America Organization of Kansas City, Mo. during the Vietnam War, she received from them a Certificate of Appreciation.
    McCannell completed Non-Commissioned Officers School in Quantico, Va. and Recruiter’s School Parris Island, S.C. She completed courses in accounting and budget from the Marine Corps Institute, Washington, D.C.
    Gunny earned many awards and promotions throughout her 30-year career. She received the Good Conduct Medal with Silver Star (six awards), Campaign medals with Bronze Star (two awards) for serving both in the Korean War and Vietnam War, the Marine Recruiting Medal and the Marine Corps Commemorative Medal..