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Posts Tagged: World War II

The Port Chicago Disaster – Introduction

  In the worst Home Front disaster of World War II, an explosion at the Naval Magazine in Port Chicago, California on July 17, 1944 killed 320 men, of whom 202 were black. The tragedy was followed by a work stoppage and a controversial mutiny trial. This sent ripples of change through the segregated armed forces. Despite its significance, few people have heard about Port Chicago. I included these events in my th... Read Article
Medical Air Evacuation in World War II, part 3: The Flight Nurse - training, uniforms, duties, and dangers.

Medical Air Evacuation in World War II – The Flight Nurse

For Lt. Kay Jobson, flight nursing meant more than physical care. It meant reconnecting a broken soldier with the shards of his humanity. Kay assessed her planeload of patients en route from Italy to Tunisia. A restless lot, downhearted. That wouldn’t do. She headed to the front of the C-47 cargo plane. The soldiers had been wounded on the battered beachhead at Anzio or in one of the many bloody failed attempts to ... Read Article
Medical Air Evacuation in World War II, part 2: follow one patient from the battlefield to the airfield and through his flight.

Medical Air Evacuation in WWII – One Patient’s Journey

Flight nurse Lt. Georgie Taylor smiled at Private Hawkins, who was recovering from abdominal surgery due to a rifle wound. “We’ll be in Tunisia . . .” He was too pale. Restless. His hand chilled her. Georgie leaned closer, her mind tingling with concern. “Are you all right?” “Thirsty.” He rubbed his throat with white fingers. She wrapped her hand around his wrist to measure his pulse—rapid as she fear... Read Article
Medical Air Evacuation in World War II, part 1: How air evacuation began, how it was used in WWII, and the aircraft used.

Medical Air Evacuation in World War II

“Do you have room for one more litter case?” the doctor asked. “Private Jenkins needs a thoracic surgeon. The nearest hospital’s in Cefalù, a long ambulance ride over rough roads. By air he’ll be in Mateur in two hours.” Flight nurse Lt. Mellie Blake stared at the unconscious patient. He lay on a litter, his torso swaddled in white gauze. Bloody streaks painted his face, arms, and khaki pants. “We’re... Read Article
US Army Nurse Corps in World War II, part 4 - Nursing Practice

Army Nursing in World War II – Nursing Practice

During World War II, members of the US Army Nurse Corps took care of the sick and wounded throughout the world, often in dangerous and difficult conditions. These brave women inspired four of my novels (A Memory Between Us and the Wings of the Nightingale series), so I’m sharing a four-part series on US Army nursing during the war. Part 1: Who Could Serve in the US Army Nurse Corps Part 2: Recruitment, Training, an... Read Article
US Army Nurse Corps in World War II, part 3 - Uniforms

Army Nursing in World War II – Uniforms

During World War II, members of the US Army Nurse Corps took care of the sick and wounded throughout the world, often in dangerous and difficult conditions. These brave women inspired four of my novels (A Memory Between Us and the Wings of the Nightingale series), so I’m sharing a four-part series on US Army nursing during the war. Part 1: Who Could Serve in the US Army Nurse Corps Part 2: Recruitment, Training... Read Article
The US Army Nurse Corps in World War II, part 2 - how were Army nurses recruited and trained, and what military rank they held.

Army Nursing in World War II – Training and Rank

During World War II, members of the US Army Nurse Corps took care of the sick and wounded throughout the world, often in dangerous and difficult conditions. These brave women inspired four of my novels (A Memory Between Us and the Wings of the Nightingale series), so I’m sharing a four-part series on US Army nursing during the war. Part 1: Who Could Serve in the US Army Nurse Corps Part 2: Recruitment, Training... Read Article

Army Nursing in World War II – Who Could Serve

During World War II, members of the US Army Nurse Corps took care of the sick and wounded throughout the world, often in dangerous and difficult conditions. These brave women inspired four of my novels (A Memory Between Us and the Wings of the Nightingale series), so I’m sharing a four-part series on US Army nursing during the war. Part 1: Who Could Serve in the US Army Nurse Corps Part 2: Recruitment, Training... Read Article
US Army Hospitals in WWII: Evacuation of the Wounded

Hospitalization in World War II – Evacuation of the Wounded

Unlike the US Fifth Army, Hutch crossed the Volturno River backward. While the Allies crossed under machine-gun fire eleven days earlier, Hutch rode in a jeep, turned in the front seat to face little Lucia. Her litter was strapped across the backseat, while two more litters were strapped on the hood. A furrow raced up Lucia’s forehead, and she clutched her doll even tighter. Time for Hutch’s treat. “... Read Article
US Army Hospitals in WWII: Mobile & Fixed Hospitals

Hospitalization in World War II – Mobile and Fixed Hospitals

Hutch crossed his arms over his soggy mackinaw and gave Bergie half a smile. “You said you’d take over. Ever pitch a tent before?” “In Boy Scouts.” The surgeon raised a three-finger salute. “On my honor–“ “A big old Army ward tent?” “Nope. But I’m willing to get dirty. What’s mud compared to the blood and guts I usually swim in?” Hutc... Read Article