Patricia Anne Morton
Patricia Anne Morton (May 30, 1935 – October 16, 2019) was an American Foreign Service Specialist. She was the first woman to serve as a Diplomatic Security special agent. She also served as the deputy director and manager of the Federal Women's Program.
Biography
Patricia ("Patti") Anne Morton was born in Centralia, Washington, May 3, 1935.[1] Her parents were Russell and Clara (Haase) Morton.[1] She graduated from Napavine High School in Napavine, Washington, in 1952.[2] She earned a bachelor's degree from Western Washington University in 1957.[1][2] For three years, she worked as a secretary for Albert Rosellini, former governor of Washington.[2]
In 1965, she was accepted into the United States Foreign Service.[2][3] Her assignments included Nepal, Kinshasa, Cameroon, Singapore, and Saigon. In 1972, she became the first woman to serve as a Diplomatic Security special agent.[3][4] Later, she became the deputy director and manager of the Federal Women's Program.[5][6]
Morton died in Washington, D.C., on October 16, 2019.[1] Her blue clutch bag, used to carry her .357 Magnum pistol during her assignment at the Washington field office, was donated to the National Museum of American Diplomacy.[3]
References
- "Patricia Anne Morton May 30 1935 October 16 2019 (age 84), death notice, USA". United States Obituary Notice. 8 November 2019. Retrieved 9 January 2020.
- "Native of Napavine in Nepal". The Daily Chronicle. 1967-06-03. p. 7. Retrieved 2020-07-04.
- "In Memoriam: Patricia Anne (Patti) Morton". The National Museum of American Diplomacy. 20 November 2019. Retrieved 9 January 2020.
- Department Of State. The Office of Electronic Information, Bureau of Public Affairs. "Diplomatic Security Special Agents: Women of the Global Force". 2001-2009.state.gov. Retrieved 9 January 2020.
- "Patricia Anne Morton May 30, 1935 ~ October 16, 2019 (age 84)". newellhoerlings.com. Retrieved 9 January 2020.
- "Bureau Notes". State - The Newsletter. United States Department of State. 1982. p. 62. Retrieved 9 January 2020.