"If they’re going to die, let them see an American woman that smells good." (Video Interview, Part 2, 26:52)

Frances M. Liberty

Frances Liberty War: World War II, 1939-1946; Korean War, 1950-1955; Vietnam War, 1961-1975 Branch: Army Nurse Corps Rank: Lieutenant Colonel; Lieutenant Colonel; Lieutenant Colonel Place of Birth: Plattsburgh, NY

Frances Liberty’s saga in military nursing covers three declared wars as well as the Cold War--she cared for John Foster Dulles at Washington’s Water Reed Hospital. She saw a sea change in the Army; when she enlisted in 1943, she notes, “They weren’t really prepared to handle women.” She maintained a reputation as a self-described disciplinarian who was also a bit of a maverick. “Medical people aren’t good at saluting,” she admits, but her 28-year military career clearly attests to a fondness for serving her country.