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Home » Prudence Burns Burrell

"I didn't come in the Army to service any of them, I came in to nurse them." (Audio Interview, 26:24)
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   Prudence Burns Burrell
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War: World War, 1939-1945
Branch: Army Nurse Corps
Unit: 268th Station Hospital
Service Location: Fort Huachuca, Arizona; Australia; New Guinea; Philippines
Rank: First Lieutenant
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A feisty nurse who rankled at unprofessional behavior, as well as being in a segregated unit which treated only African American soldiers, Prudence Burns Burrell served her country in New Guinea and the Philippines. Relieved when President Truman ordered the use of the atomic bomb to forestall the invasion of Japan, she was nevertheless miffed when the President employed the end of the war as an excuse to deny her and her colleagues much-deserved promotions.
Interview (Audio)
»Interview Highlights  (6 clips)
»Complete Interview  (38 min.)
Interview Transcripts
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Audio (Interview Excerpts) (6 items)
Stationed in New Guinea, nursing only black soldiers; a white soldier nearly died before he insisted on getting a transfusion of "A" blood; drinking with soldier in charge of medical supplies. (03:46) Arriving in the Philippines, preparing for the invasion of Japan; Truman rescinding her promotion; insisting on getting married to her beau before coming back to the States. (03:20) Dangers of being stationed in the Philippines late in the war. (00:47)
Segregated hospitals; encountering racism in a social situation. (01:42) Joining the Army in search of adventure; meeting the Nicholas Brothers dance team when she was overseas; relationships with the natives on New Guinea. (03:50) Daily routine in hospital; laying down the law to patients; socializing with black soldiers; threatening to have an unruly officer court-martialed. (05:48)
  
 
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