Final answer:
B) 1941, The Secretary of the Navy authorized the Commandant to enlist women into the Marine Corps in 1941, leading to the creation of the WAAC and integration of women into the military.
Step-by-step explanation:
The year the Secretary of the Navy authorized the Commandant to enlist women into the Marine Corps was 1941 (Option B). This was a significant moment in military history, as it led to the establishment of the Women's Auxiliary Army Corps (WAAC) and paved the way for women's integration into the military.
Although the idea of women serving in the military was initially seen as a temporary measure during World War II, their contributions were valuable, and eventually, the Women's Armed Service Integration Act of 1948 authorized female service in all branches of the military during both peacetime and war.
In response to the growing need for personnel during World War II, the Secretary of the Navy, Frank Knox, signed the directive on February 13, 1943, allowing the Marine Corps to enlist women into the Marine Corps Women's Reserve (MCWR). This marked a significant step toward gender integration in the U.S. military and allowed women to contribute directly to the war effort in various roles within the Marine Corps, helping to fill critical positions left by men serving overseas.