The Heroic Legacy of Women Who Heeded the Call for Nurses During World War II

A group of American women became nurses amid a nationwide shortage of staff. They went on to save many lives during the country’s different health crises.

A historical ad for recruiting women into the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps; an old Cadet Nurse class photo. Public Domain; Courtesy of Eileen DeGaetano

Mention “Rosie the Riveter” to anyone who’s familiar with America’s entry into World War II and you’ll likely get a smile.

Bandana-wearing “Rosie” was the star of a ubiquitous poster in a national campaign aimed at recruiting women to fill jobs in America’s industrial plants after male laborers enlisted in the military. The campaign paid off, with hundreds of thousands of women going to work in America’s factories.