During World War II nurses actively participated alongside soldiers instead of working at their backs. They lacked guns but possessed the strength of their minds and passion for survival.
Colonel Ruby Bradley held a vital position among the renowned nurses. During World War II forces captured her in the Philippines and she spent more than three years in POW captivity. Under extreme conditions she treated hundreds of patients through surgical operations and gave medical assistance to pregnant women and sick patients. The soldiers gave her this nickname because she used all her resources to support those who needed her help.
Aleda E. Lutz served as an emergency care specialist in the air. She flew about 200 military flights to transport over 3000 wounded soldiers to safety. During her flight in 1944 she passed away in a plane accident. She became the first female nurse from America to lose her life while fighting in World War 2. The people she saved continue to honor her remarkable deeds.
Captain Mary L. Petty became the first African American nurse to reach this rank in history. She led the first US Black nursing unit overseas until becoming the first captain of her African American colleagues. In the form of leadership she showed courage and exuded pride despite racial separation between people.
For the United States Navy Lieutenant Jane Kendeigh made the first airfield landing during combat duties. She entered Iwo Jima before the fighting stopped and started her work. After each battlefield battle she treated wounded soldiers despite fatal enemy fire.
During World War II Dorothy Still Danner became a prisoner of war but continued assisting those around her. Throughout her captivity she continued providing help to all others around her. She provided medical care to other prisoners despite their severe surroundings and refused to surrender.
Over numerous women experienced life-threatening hardships during the war. But they didn’t run. They took care of injured soldiers until their last breath and kept their spirits up.
They didn’t carry guns. But they fought with courage.
They didn’t leave anyone behind.
This was their finest hour.
