2 Equals 12

2 Equals 12

Topic: Army Nurse Corps

The Army Nurse Corps has a rich legacy in Black history, with African American nurses playing a pivotal role in providing healthcare services to soldiers during times of war and peace.

During World War II, over 400 African American nurses served in the Army Nurse Corps despite facing discrimination and segregation. These nurses faced challenges on the battlefield as well as within the military establishment, but their dedication and skill in providing care to wounded soldiers helped pave the way for greater opportunities for Black nurses in the military.

One of the most notable figures in the history of the Army Nurse Corps is Lieutenant Colonel Charity Adams Earley, who became the first African American woman to be commissioned as an officer in the Women's Army Corps (WAC) in 1942. She went on to lead the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only all-Black, all-female battalion to serve overseas during World War II.

In more recent history, African American nurses continue to make significant contributions to the Army Nurse Corps, serving in combat zones, military hospitals, and humanitarian missions around the world. Their dedication to providing quality healthcare to service members and their families exemplifies the spirit of service and sacrifice that is at the heart of the Army Nurse Corps' mission.