US Army Nurse Corps Lt Aleda Lutz: Distinguished Flying Cross Recipient

Lt. Aleda Lutz was one of the few WWII nurses qualified to serve as flight nurses, risking her life flying into combat zones to rescue the wounded. Over 20 months, she completed more evacuation missions than any other nurse, serving bravely in North Africa, Italy, and France. On November 1, 1944, her C-47 crashed while evacuating wounded soldiers. At just 28, she became one of only 16 American women killed in combat during WWII. Lt. Lutz was the first woman awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and remains one of the most decorated nurses in U.S. history.

Distinguished Flying Cross Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Nurse Corps) Aleda E. Lutz (ASN: N-730648), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Flight Nurse of a C-47 aircraft with the 802d Medical Air Evacuation Squadron, 51st Troop Carrier Wing, in action against the enemy during World War II. Lieutenant Lutz distinguished herself through her professional skill and courage. Flying more than 190 missions to evacuate wounded personnel, Lieutenant Lutz’s resourcefulness and determination have been of high inspiration to those serving with her. On 1 November 1944, while she was flying on a mission to evacuate wounded personnel from the front lines, a severe storm rocked Lieutenant Lutz’s aircraft from the pilots control, and it crashed in southern France. Her outstanding courage and dedication to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon herself and the United States Army.

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