Life After the War
After returning home from the war around March 1945 many nurses had to promote war bonds to recieve enough points to be released from active duty. Points were earned for the months you served, on land or over sea, what you did while serving, like combat or nursing, and how many dependent children you had that were under 18. Once enough points were earned, we were released from our duty.
Often I think back to the experiences I had during World War II in the Philippines and as a prisoner of war. I lost all of my teeth from the lack of nutrition during the war and imprisonment and I continue to experience trauma from war time. I fear dark places because of the long and dreadful days and nights spent in the tunnel of Corregidor. I frequently have flashbacks and memories of the horrid things I saw, but I also remember the looks on soldiers faces. At night I would cry because of all the soldiers we lost, so many looked hopeless because they knew they wouldn't make it. Many, with their last breath, would beg us to make sure a letter was sent to their family, letting them know how they died.
Many of my fellow nurses came out of the war very bitter, but many also came out much more appreciative of little things like warm baths, which most peple took for granted. I had a whole new perspective on life and I was so glad to have served my country. Several people asked me if I missed it and I always told them "I'm glad I did it but I wouldn't pay a penny to do it for another day."
Often I think back to the experiences I had during World War II in the Philippines and as a prisoner of war. I lost all of my teeth from the lack of nutrition during the war and imprisonment and I continue to experience trauma from war time. I fear dark places because of the long and dreadful days and nights spent in the tunnel of Corregidor. I frequently have flashbacks and memories of the horrid things I saw, but I also remember the looks on soldiers faces. At night I would cry because of all the soldiers we lost, so many looked hopeless because they knew they wouldn't make it. Many, with their last breath, would beg us to make sure a letter was sent to their family, letting them know how they died.
Many of my fellow nurses came out of the war very bitter, but many also came out much more appreciative of little things like warm baths, which most peple took for granted. I had a whole new perspective on life and I was so glad to have served my country. Several people asked me if I missed it and I always told them "I'm glad I did it but I wouldn't pay a penny to do it for another day."