In September 1965, four Army nurses—First Lieutenants Joan Schwerman, Kathleen Gilluly, Sharon Forman, and Mary Rum —arrived in Vietnam aboard the USNS Barrett, assigned to the 85th Evacuation Hospital in Qui Nhon.These women, part of the Army Nurse Corps, faced the intense realities of war, treating severe injuries in a 17-bed ICU under the most challenging conditions.Captain Kathleen Gilluly earned an Army Commendation Medal for her service, later retiring as a lieutenant colonel. Mary Rum Caspers, also a captain, received the same medal and continued her career, retiring as a colonel.Sharon Forman Bystran, who served from August 1965 to August 1966, worked as a staff/charge nurse in the ICU. She described improvising care and enduring rocket fire near Qui Nhon. Bystran later served as head nurse at the 249th General Hospital in Japan, caring for Vietnam casualties. These nurses, among the 7,000 women who served in Vietnam, faced red alerts, gunfire, and emotional tolls while saving countless lives. Their courage and skill under fire remain a testament to their dedication. The Vietnam Women’s Memorial, dedicated in 1993, honors their sacrifices, ensuring their contributions are never forgotten.God bless them all and all of our nurses of war. May they never be forgotten🙏🏼🇺🇲❤️🎖
In Album: Judy Gilford's Timeline Photos
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