What question can you pose to a Nurse from WWII?

CSM Charles Hayden — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 23:09:04 -0400

LTC Stephen F. LTC Stephen C. LTC Private RallyPoint Member @SGT PHILIP RONCARI SGT Private RallyPoint Member

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Aug 14 at 2019 11:27 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 23:27:41 -0400

1LT Doris (Gardner) Howard, I’m delighted to hear that you’re on RallyPoint! I have no questions, but I wish to thank you for your service during WWII, and I hope that you weren’t injured or wounded in any way.
My father served on USS LST-78 in the Pacific during the war and the crew of his ship actually shot down a Kamikaze aircraft!
My sincerest regards.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Aug 14 at 2019 11:51 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 23:51:49 -0400

1LT Doris (Gardner) Howard welcome.

Where did you serve in the Pacific? What campaigns did you support? My grandfather was an Infantryman in the Americal Division and fought in the Pacific so I’m interested to hear your story.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Aug 15 at 2019 12:07 AM

LTC Stephen F. — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 00:07:46 -0400

Welcome to RallyPoint 1LT Doris (Gardner) Howard.
I imagine triage after a kamikaze strike may have been overwhelming.
1. Were you the only surviving nurse after that strike or were you part of a team?
2. What lessons were you forced to learn - I expect severe burns may have also been within your experience. Psychological shock in the wake of Kamikaze attacks on survivors and injured must have had rippling effects of grief as well as healing. How did you help those who survived? What worked best in your expereince?

Thank you for notifying us my friend CSM Charles Hayden
I have tagged a number of military nurses who may well be able to ask intelligent questions.
FYI here is veteran nurse who just joined RallyPoint MAJ Private RallyPoint Member CPT Private RallyPoint Member MAJ Private RallyPoint Member Capt Sabrena Goldman LTC Paul Labrador MAJ Private RallyPoint Member CPT Barbara Smith BG Private RallyPoint Member Maj Robert Thornton

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 15 at 2019 1:10 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 01:10:54 -0400

Respectfully, while I welcome Ms. Howard to RP, I’m not sure that I agree with the introduction. In 60 years, I genuinely hope I’m not introduced to any group as, “welcome SGT..., he endured SVests and IEDs! Any questions?”

We wouldn’t introduce Vets of recent and current wars in that manner. Probably because it leads to questions about how many people died and what were the burns like and what the psychological damage was. (All questions asked so far). Not really ‘break the ice’ type material.

Just for thoughts. Welcome to RP Ms. Howard.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 15 at 2019 5:47 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 05:47:37 -0400

I am usually fairly awestruck around WWII veterans (if I know).

Response by Maj Marty Hogan made Aug 15 at 2019 8:53 AM

Maj Marty Hogan — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 08:53:01 -0400

No questions- but heartfelt thanks for your service and a salute

Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made Aug 15 at 2019 2:53 PM

MAJ Matthew Arnold — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 14:53:15 -0400

1LT Doris Howard, thank you for your service. I have 2 Uncles who served in the Pacific in the Navy during WW2. My Father also served in WW2, in the 87th Mt. Inf. Reg. of the 10th Mt. Div. one of the few units to serve in the European and the Pacific Campaign. I just say that because I have heard many of the stories first hand and so have great respect and admiration for your service.

Response by 1LT Doris (Gardner) Howard made Aug 18 at 2019 4:01 PM

1LT Doris (Gardner) Howard — Sun, 18 Aug 2019 16:01:20 -0400

Thank you all for the kind words. I have been able to answer some.

Here's a newspaper clipping my parents sent me. My mother wrote a note saying it was probably the only time they would send news of the war to me instead of vice-versa.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Aug 18 at 2019 5:05 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Sun, 18 Aug 2019 17:05:23 -0400

I don't have a question, Ma'am/Sir. I would just like to most lovingly thank you: for your brave service and for your gallant sacrifice; during World War II. CSM Charles Hayden

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 18 at 2019 5:18 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 18 Aug 2019 17:18:59 -0400

Thank you for serving in WWII. What did you eat during the Pacific Campaign?