(3 reviews) Author: Judith Barger ISBN : 9781606351543 New from $6.85 Format: PDFMilitary nursing pioneers tell their stories
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.
- Hardcover: 262 pages
- Publisher: Kent State Univ; 1 edition (May 10, 2013)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1606351540
- ISBN-13: 978-1606351543
- Product Dimensions: 1 x 6.3 x 8.7 inches
- Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Beyond the Call of Duty: Army Flight Nursing in World War II PDF
The book is very well researched and written. It describes the early concepts and initial training for flight nurses after WWII started. Much of what was done was figured out as they went. There were many parts of the history I don't remember ever hearing about such as: 17 Flight Nurses died in the line of duty, a nurse was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, and B-17 bombers were used as opportune aircraft for aeromedical missions. As a retired USAF Flight Nurse I found this essential reading for all flight nurses past and present as it tells the important story of our heritage. It belongs on the shelf of all flight nurses' libraries.By Frank
Judith Barger's book about the flight nurses is one I have looked forward to since I heard it was being written. Searching for material on Loretta Schimmoler who saw the need for these nurses long before the Army did, I stumbled across the Bucyrus (Ohio) Historical Museum and was told a researcher had been there in preparation for a book. After learning who the publisher was, I quickly put myself on the list for an early copy. The first chapter about Ms. Schimmoler was my initial interest, but the entire book is well-written and is well-researched. The number of people who served in World War II is dwindling daily, so we are lucky that the author did her research while she could actually talk to some of these pioneers in aviation nursing. It was a difficult "sell" when Loretta Schimmoler first proposed her idea, but these women proved themselves invaluable as they served their country during World War II.By C. Weber
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