Women played an important role throughout the Vietnam War. By working as Nurses and assisting in combat as Marines, a woman made a lasting impact on herself and those around her. This page explores these different professions women chose, as well as the objects that played an role in their daily life.
(“Vietnam Veterans Memorial Women’s Statue” by Carol M. Highsmith)
Nurses
Nurses played a key role during the Vietnam War. During this time, there was a constant demand for nurses. As a result the American Military took different efforts to help recruit these women through programs, such as the Army Military Nursing Program.
(“Nurses posed on Navy Medical Newsletter cover ” c. 1970, by US Navy)
C-7 Caribous were one of the aircrafts used to airlift injured soldiers from the battle field to the army hospitals. This was often done during active fighting, with bullets rapidly flying through the air. The Flight Nurses that accompanied these flights were on 24-hour alerts and were skilled at loading patients aboard in under 3 minutes.
(“DHC C-7A Caribou 63-9760” c. 2018 by Ian E Abbot).
Nursing was a rapidly growing profession for women during the Vietnam War. Like many men during this time, women were inspired by relatives that experienced World War II and the Great War. As a result, young nurses were recruited from Hospitals and Graduating Classes. Due to the high injury rate experienced by the soldiers, the need for Nurses was ever-growing.
Footlockers were used by many as a method of shipping goods to their overseas destination. By using this practice, women were able to bring pieces of home with them to Vietnam. This became an important coping mechanism for women as a way to help with their stressful living conditions.
(“Vietnam Footlocker” c. 2017 by Picasa)
Women in the Marines
The Marines began allowing women to enlist in In February 1943 with the establishment of the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve. In June of the same year, Congress passed the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act and made women a permanent part of the regular Marine Corps. This initiative gave women an alternative option to serve in Vietnam that did not require a medical background.
The decision to allow women to remain a permeant division of the Marines subjected these Female Marines, also known as Marionettes, to active combat for the first time. This was a stark contrast from experiences in World War II where Marionettes worked as secretaries and typists. However, this decision also ensured those enlisted were well trained.
(Below: “Photo of Margaret Brewer in Uniform” c. 1952, by Archives Branch, Marine Corps History Division)
(“Portrait of Ginnie Rueber, Marine in the Vietnam War” c. 1962-1970)
Female Marines were not always welcomed by their male counterparts or superiors. Ginnie Rueber served as a Marine in the Vietnam War. In this audio clip she discusses some of the challenges that she and her collages faced during this time.
