Unsung Heroes: Army Flight Nursing in World War II

When we think about World War II, we often recall the bravery of soldiers fighting on the front lines or the remarkable efforts of Rosie the Riveter. However, there is another group of heroes who deserve recognition for their crucial role in the war effort - the Army Flight Nurses. These dedicated women risked their lives to provide medical care and comfort to wounded soldiers, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos of war.

The Emergence of Army Flight Nursing

In the early 1940s, as the United States became more involved in World War II, the need for rapid evacuation and medical care for wounded soldiers became apparent. The Army Air Forces recognized the value of having trained nurses on board their aircraft to tend to injured soldiers during transport. Thus, Army Flight Nursing was born.

Beyond the Call of Duty: Army Flight Nursing in World War II

by Judith Barger (1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1182 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	312 pages

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Due to the specialized training required for this role, the Army Air Forces turned to nurses who possessed a range of skills, including emergency medicine, anesthesia, and surgical nursing. These select few were then sent to a rigorous training program before being assigned to medical air evacuation units.

Behind Enemy Lines

Army Flight Nurses faced tremendous challenges and danger during their service. These resilient women often evacuated wounded soldiers from airfields near the front lines, flying through treacherous skies where enemy fire was a constant threat. Many times, they had to improvise medical equipment and even use their own bodies as shields to protect wounded soldiers during flight.

One notable example of their heroic endeavors is the Battle of Anzio, where Army Flight Nurses continuously flew over enemy lines to evacuate wounded soldiers from the battlefield. Despite the brutal conditions and high mortality rates, these nurses persisted in their mission, saving countless lives.

Conditions Onboard

Life as an Army Flight Nurse was far from glamorous. These courageous women managed to provide medical care in cramped, noisy aircraft without the same resources available in a hospital setting. They often dealt with severe turbulence, extreme temperatures, and inadequate lighting during their flights.

Additionally, Army Flight Nurses had to cope with the emotional toll of witnessing the suffering and loss of their patients. Nevertheless, they remained committed to their duty, ensuring every soldier received the care they desperately needed.

Legacy and Recognition

The invaluable contribution of Army Flight Nurses in World War II deserves our utmost respect and admiration. These brave women revolutionized the field of nursing by proving that nurses could effectively provide medical care in a high-stress military environment. Their dedication and sacrifice paved the way for future advancements in military healthcare and prompted the establishment of specialized nursing programs.

Unfortunately, the stories of Army Flight Nurses have often been left untold. It is crucial that we remember their heroism and honor their memory. By acknowledging their vital role in World War II, we ensure their place in history is never forgotten.

Army Flight Nurses demonstrated unwavering courage and compassion during World War II. Their commitment to providing medical aid to wounded soldiers in the most challenging circumstances showcases their true heroism. These women risked their lives to save others, and their legacy serves as an inspiration to generations of nurses who continue to serve on the front lines today.

Next time you reflect on the heroes of World War II, remember the unsung heroines who were the Army Flight Nurses. Their stories deserve to be heard, and their contributions should never be overlooked.

Beyond the Call of Duty: Army Flight Nursing in World War II

by Judith Barger (1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1182 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	312 pages

FREE

At the height of World War II, five hundred Army flight nurses served with the Army Air Forces as members of thirty-one medical air evacuation squadrons located throughout the world on both the European and Pacific fronts. Their work was not insignificant—over one million patients were evacuated by air between January 1943 and May 1945. These specially trained Army nurses took nursing to new heights. Often decorated for their accomplishments, they exemplify the ability of a group of nurses to cope successfully with the challenges of war.In her comprehensive book, author Judith Barger brings together information that is becoming less accessible as the former nurses succumb to age, infirmity, and death. Barger interviewed twenty-five of these pioneering women in 1986 when their recall of their service experiences was still vivid and informative. Building on Barger’s earlier research, their stories and the numerous complementary photographs included in the volume bring to life this long overdue tribute to Army flight nursing in World War II.Beyond the Call of Duty offers the only in-depth account of the events leading up to the formation of the military flight nurse program, their training for duty, and the air evacuation missions in which they participated. Readers of military history, women’s history, and nursing history will find all three interests represented in this book, which gives new meaning to a phrase in the Flight Nurse Creed of 1943: “I will be faithful to my training, and to the wisdom handed down to me by those who have gone before me.”