American Military Nurses of World War II: The Forgotten Heroes Who Saved Lives and Changed History

In the annals of World War II, the stories of the brave men and women who fought on the front lines are often told. But there is another group of heroes whose contributions are often overlooked: the American military nurses.

These women faced prejudice and danger to serve their country. They worked tirelessly to save lives, often under the most difficult conditions. And they made a lasting impact on the war effort and the history of nursing.

They Called Them Angels: American Military Nurses of World War II

by Kathi Jackson

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3373 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	248 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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Overcoming Prejudice

When the United States entered World War II in 1941, there were only about 50,000 nurses in the country. Of those, only a small percentage were qualified to serve in the military.

The military was initially reluctant to accept women into its ranks. Some officials believed that women were not strong enough to withstand the rigors of combat. Others worried that they would be a distraction to the male soldiers.

But as the war progressed, the need for nurses became increasingly urgent. The military was losing thousands of men to wounds and disease. And the only way to save them was to get them to a hospital as quickly as possible.

In 1943, the military finally opened its doors to women. The first group of nurses to be commissioned were known as the "Army Nurse Corps." These women were assigned to hospitals both in the United States and overseas.

The nurses faced prejudice from some of their male colleagues. Some doctors refused to work with them. And some patients were reluctant to be treated by them.

But the nurses persevered. They proved that they were just as capable as men at providing medical care. And they quickly earned the respect of their colleagues and patients.

Danger and Sacrifice

The nurses who served in World War II faced many dangers. They were often stationed in close proximity to the front lines. And they were often exposed to enemy fire.

Many nurses were killed or wounded in the line of duty. In fact, more nurses died in World War II than any other group of women in the military.

Despite the danger, the nurses continued to serve. They worked tirelessly to save lives. And they often went above and beyond the call of duty.

One of the most famous examples of the nurses' bravery is the story of Ann Davanzo. Davanzo was a nurse who served in the Philippines during the war. When the Japanese invaded the country, she was captured and taken prisoner.

Davanzo was held captive for three years. During that time, she was tortured and starved. But she never gave up hope. She continued to care for the other prisoners. And she helped them to survive.

Davanzo's story is just one example of the courage and sacrifice of the American military nurses who served in World War II.

Changing History

The American military nurses who served in World War II made a lasting impact on the war effort and the history of nursing.

The nurses saved countless lives. They helped to improve the care of wounded soldiers. And they paved the way for women to serve in the military in greater numbers.

The nurses also changed the perception of women in society. They proved that women were just as capable as men at performing demanding jobs.

The legacy of the American military nurses who served in World War II continues to inspire women and men today. Their story is a reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and determination that can be found in the human spirit.

The American military nurses who served in World War II were true heroes. They faced prejudice, danger, and sacrifice to save lives and change history.

Their story is an inspiring reminder of the power of the human spirit. And it is a story that should never be forgotten.

They Called Them Angels: American Military Nurses of World War II

by Kathi Jackson

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3373 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	248 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE