 The surrender of Japan to end World War II, the first female marine. These and much more happened this week in Navy history. August 12, 1918, Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels approves accepting women in the Marine Corps. The following day, Opha Mae Johnson became the first female marine. On August 13, 1952, hospitalman John E. Kilmer's heroic actions under fire during the Korean War earned him a posthumous Medal of Honor. And finally, August 14, 1945, Japan accepts the terms of the Potsdam Declaration and agrees to unconditionally surrender to Allied forces. The day became known as Victory over Japan or VJ Day. Celebrations erupted all over the nation as World War II finally came to a close. To learn more about these stories and our history, visit the Naval History and Heritage Commands website.