Patti Morton’s Clutch Purse
United States c. 1972
For nearly fifty years, Diplomatic Security Service Special Agents were men. That changed in 1972 when Patricia “Patti” Morton became the first woman to serve as a Diplomatic Security Service Special Agent. This clutch purse is a testament to the many challenges that Special Agent Morton faced as a trailblazer. At the time, Diplomatic Security did not issue gun holsters that could be worn practically by a woman. Morton found her own solution by using this clutch to carry her .357 magnum service weapon during protective detail assignments. Patti Morton advocated for women to do any job without restriction. Throughout her career, she strived to make it easier for the women who would follow her. She became an inspiration to many, fighting for the fair and unbiased treatment of women in the diplomatic workforce.
Learn More About Patti Morton
Story of Diplomacy
Patti Morton: The First Female Diplomatic Security Special Agent
