DANVILLE, Calif. — At 106 years old, Alice Darrow vividly recalls her service as a nurse during World War II, where she joined fellow nurses in perilous missions to deliver medical care on the front lines, often under enemy fire. Many of these brave women returned home to quiet lives, their sacrifices fading from public memory.
With just a few members of this generation still with us, a coalition of retired military nurses and advocates is pushing to recognize the contributions of WWII nurses with the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the highest civilian honors in the United States.
Senators Tammy Baldwin and Elise Stefanik are spearheading legislation for this honor, which, although only gaining traction, faces significant hurdles in Congress. Currently, the bills need substantial support — 67 sponsors in the Senate and 290 in the House — a tall order as they have secured only a fraction of the needed sponsors.
Darrow's experience speaks volumes about the hardships met by these women. She cared for soldiers with grievous injuries and often remained at their sides long after her shift ended, forming bonds under unimaginable circumstances. To them, you're everything because you're taking care of them, she reflects.
Patricia Upah, a retired colonel and fellow nurse, emphasizes that society often overlooks the crucial roles nurses play in wartime. Yet, the contributions of these women were nothing short of heroic. During WWII, the number of Army nurses surged from fewer than 600 at the war's inception to over 59,000 by its conclusion, demonstrating the vital role they played in medical care during the conflict.
Moreover, African American and Japanese American nurses had to tackle discrimination and fight for their rights to serve, with many having stories as inspiring as Darrow's. For instance, Elsie Chin Yuen Seetoo, the first Chinese American nurse to join the Army Nurse Corps, embodies the resolve and dedication of these often overlooked figures.
As the last living WWII nurses age, the urgency for recognition becomes palpable. With each passing year, their stories fade, but efforts to honor their sacrifices linger. The proposed medal aims to celebrate not only the bravery of these women but also their lasting impact on military medicine.
As Darrow continues to look towards the future, the hope for official acknowledgment remains strong. It would be an honor, she says of the potential Congressional Gold Medal. The time to recognize the contributions of these military nurses is now — before it is too late.
