On this day in 2005, a heroine passes away. Captain Lillian Kinkella Keil served as a flight nurse in both World War II and Korea. She remains one of the most decorated women in American military history.
She wasn’t just any flight nurse. She was among the first, which made it more challenging. “She had to make it up as she went along,” retired Air Force Col. Barney Oldfield later said. “She was an airborne Florence Nightingale.”
When World War II began, Keil was a registered nurse working as a flight attendant. Her life changed forever when a passenger suggested that she join the Army Air Forces.
She could serve her country as a flight nurse.
The training was no picnic. The story continues here: https://www.taraross.com/post/tdih-lillian-keil-nurse
On this day in 1732, an American Patriot is born in Massachusetts. You may or may not know John Glover’s name, but you do know about the Revolutionary War events in which he participated.
Glover led a unique regiment of men from Marblehead and other fishing villages: His men were professional sailors. The skill set would prove invaluable.
Glover and his “Marbleheaders” arrived outside Boston soon after the “shot heard round the world” at Lexington and Concord. Glover was well-equipped, and he ensured that his men were, too. Perhaps unsurprisingly, then, George Washington was quick to trust Glover in an effort to create a Navy. This small fleet of vessels—“Washington’s Cruiser’s”—would work to harass British shipping early in the war.
But that was just the beginning of Glover’s contributions.
The story continues here: https://www.taraross.com/post/tdih-john-glover
On this day in 1916, a hero is born. “Manila John” Basilone would go on to become the only Marine to earn both a Navy Cross and a Medal of Honor during World War II.
Yet the legendary Marine started off in the Army.
He was just 18 years old when he enlisted this first time. He served for three years before returning to civilian life and a job as a truck driver. His second stint in the military came in July 1940. This time, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp.
The story continues here: https://www.taraross.com/post/tdih-john-basilone-moh
At about this time in 1783, George Washington issues farewell orders to the troops that persevered with him through the Revolution.
Technically, this anniversary is tomorrow, but I thought the quote was timely: I'm sure many of you agree that we need this kind of divine intervention again next week.
Food for thought. Full-fledged stories resume on Monday.
