In 1943 during WWII, our nation faced a shortage of trained nurses which inhibited our country to meet domestic and military needs. In an effort to help find a solution to this crisis, Congress established this integrated, uniformed service of the Public Health Administration known as The United States Cadet Nurse Corps. This group of women were nursing students who received accelerated nursing education and took action to provide the care our people needed. Their brave service provided vital aid to our service members and public.

If this bill successfully passes, it will recognize service as a member of the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps between July 1, 1943, and December 21, 1948, as active-duty service. The activity duty designation entities qualifying individuals to certain benefits afforded to veterans, such as burial benefits (not including interment or inurnment at Arlington National Cemetery) and honorary veteran status. 

Under the bill, the Department of Defense (DOD) must issue individuals who served in the corps during the specified period a discharge from their service under honorable conditions if such a discharge is warranted based on the duration and nature of the service. Additionally, the bill also authorizes the DOD to produce a service medal or other commendation, memorial plaque, or grave marker to honor the individuals. 

When our country faced a detrimental shortage of trained nurses during WWII, student nurses across our nation united together, provided vital care to all who needed it, and were an integral part of the victory for America in WWII. These women deserve recognition for their enormous sacrifices in their service. 

Signing your name as a supporter for adding Amendment 63 to HR 3428 - United States Cadet Nurse Corps Service Recognition Act of 2023 will help bring awareness to the honorable service the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps did for our country and forever showcase their legacy!

Edith Harrington, the woman in these photos, is among this group of impactful women. Edith was born in Atlanta, Missouri on April 12, 1923 on a farm in the Barnesville Store neighborhood where her dream of being a nurse began after helping her father recover from a leg injury. In 194, she took “pre-nursing” courses at Kirksville State Teachers College (Truman State University) until the fall of 1942 when she decided to attend the University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou) School of Nursing. While completing introductory nursing training, she cared for wounded and sick Navy boys in Columbia Hospital and on October 1, 1943, she joined the United States Cadet Nurse Corps (USCNC). After receiving six months of special training, she was transferred to Winter General Army Hospital in Topeka, Kansas and served there until October 24th 1945. “The soldiers liked us Cadets, said we were nicer than the Army Nurses because we would listen to them and would talk with them” says Edith when recalling her time serving. After completing the USCNC program in September of 1945, she went back to Mizzou and graduated in the spring of 1946 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. 

Since then, Edith married, had two lovely daughters, and went on to be named the 2021 Grand Marshall of the Missouri Bicentennial Parade by Missouri’s Governor Mike Parson as well as visited her alma mater at Mizzou to speak with current students at the Sinclair School of Nursing (SSON). In April, Edith celebrated her 100th birthday and was chosen by the SSON to receive the Humanitarian award for her tremendous impact on nursing. Edith cares deeply about the addition of this amendment and keeps up to date with the latest news regarding its status. We need your support to help it successfully pass and enshrine the legacy of Edith and the other U.S. Cadet Nurses. Thank you!