Josephine Pifher Cahill was born in Mankato, MN and attended Deer River, MN High School. She graduated in 1943. Josephine wanted to see the world and decided joining the military would be a good way. Women had to be 20 yrs old to enter the service at that time and still, parents had to sign off or give permission. Josephine got permission and went to boot camp at Camp Lejeune, NC and later at Mere Island in CA. She talked about close-order training. Close-order drill comprise the formal movement and formations used in marching, parades, and ceremonies. Josephine processed paperwork for soldiers coming to American from the South Pacific theater. Josephine met her husband, Paul Cahill, who was in the Navy, and they married while both were stationed in CA. Paul made a career of the Navy and they lived in many locations. The couple had 3 children. Josephine enjoyed her time as a Marine.