Ervine Cunningham Clay: Military Life in the Fifties

By Marilyn Lucas, Honor Flight Chicago Veteran Interview Volunteer

Ervine Clay’s mother never dreamed that the little baby girl born on Christmas Eve in 1929 would someday become a staff sergeant in the Marine Corps. Born in Bangor, Maine, Ervine attended Bangor High School, then went on to the University of Maine. However, she was seeking a greater adventure in life. After one year in college, Ervine decided she wanted to join the Navy and sail the seas. Unfortunately, the naval recruiting center was not accepting another class for several months. Wanting immediate gratification, Ervine went to the Marine Corps Recruitment Center to enlist. Her wish was granted in March, 1950 at the age of 20, Ervine was sent to Paris Island, South Carolina to start Boot Camp. Ervine shared an amusing story about vaccinations and Boot Camp. Obviously, vaccinations were not an option as they are today. She laughingly told how they had to line up for their vaccinations. There was a doctor on either side of the line as they passed through giving a shot in both arms to the recruits at the same time. One of the recruits passed out at the site of two doctors with needles. As they say, nothing can stop the Marine Corps; the shots were given to the recruit as she laid on the floor. 

The women lived in their own barracks where men were not allowed entry. There were restrictive hours for all recruits. Revelry was at 6am, followed by breakfast at 7am with “lights out” at 10pm.  Regarding “lights out“ at 10 o’clock, without going into great detail, Ervine mentions there were a couple of “sneak outs” which entailed scaling a fence in the middle of the night. She failed to share all of the details. Revelry at six and breakfast at seven has had its lasting effect. To this day she awakens at six, makes her bed, and has her breakfast, but with a smile she states “I am not always in bed at 10 o’clock.”

Following Boot Camp, Ervine was sent to Arlington, Virginia and stayed there until 1954 to serve out her enlistment in the military. The Korean War was happening at that particular time in history and Ervine was fortunate enough to get a stateside assignment, which she described as somewhat “cushy.” After qualifying, Ervine became the lifeguard at the base swimming pool, a job she took very seriously. During the winter months, she served as the librarian. Managing the swimming pool was life-changing for Ervine. She met her future husband Alphonse who was a sergeant in charge of maintaining the chemical balance of the pool. Laughingly, she commented on the fact that she held the higher rank of staff sergeant. They dated for several years during their stint in the Marine Corps.

Rules have changed dramatically for the military. At the time of her service, women were not allowed to marry. If they married, they were immediately discharged. This rule did not apply to men. Ervine shared a story regarding a sergeant in her barracks, who bore the brunt of another rule inflicted upon women. The sergeant’s  rank entitled her to a private room and no one was allowed to enter that room. One day they returned to the barracks and were told they had all become aunties. The sergeant had given birth to a child. She, of course, was immediately discharged and none of the Marines in the barracks were allowed to see the child. Women were not permitted to have children and remain in the military. While many of the rules were stringent for women in that era, Ervine perceives her service as a wonderful, exciting and happy time in her life. 

Ervine and Alphonse married and started a lovely family after their service ended. They were married for 34 years before Alphonse passed away. Between her daughter Trina and her son Alphonse Jr., she has been blessed with five grandchildren that continue to keep her young and active. After her discharge from the Marines, she and Alphonse settled in Chicago. Ervine pursued a career in the public school system of Chicago. She retired after 30 years serving as lunchroom manager in the public schools in the Chicagoland area. 

Ervine is extremely proud to have been a Marine. Her favorite television program is NCIS, a salute to the Navy, but the real hero is Marine Gibbs. She said  “It was pretty neat  to be in the military, I met a lot of nice people.” She still maintains some of those friendships and values the  relationships that were formed so many years ago. 

One of her more interesting comments is the statement that “everyone can tell I’ve been in the military” by her demeanor, her manners, and the way she carries herself. She attributes that presence to the discipline of the Marine Corps.  Staff Sergeant Ervine Cunningham Clay was discharged in 1954 with the good conduct medal. As she says so proudly, “Once a Marine always a Marine.”

Ervine, thank you for your service to our country, and for the example you set for all women. Enjoy your day of honor as part of “Operation Her Story.”