Beatrice Mary MacDonald

Beatrice Mary MacDonald, ARRC was a Canadian-born American nurse who served in the United States Army Nurse Corps during World War I. On January 4, 1936, she received a Purple Heart for combat wounds during World War I, making her (retroactively) the first woman to receive the award. MacDonald was also one of four women to receive the United States Distinguished Service Cross for her heroism during World War I. Other awards for her heroism included the French Croix de Guerre (Bronze), the British Military Medal for gallantry, the British Royal Red Cross medal, and the United States Distinguished Service Medal.

Early life and education

MacDonald was born in the North Bedeque community on Prince Edward Island in Canada. She relocated to New York City to further her education and graduated from New York City Hospital Nursing School. == World War I ==

World War I

MacDonald was living in New York City during the outbreak of World War I. After returning to the United States, she went to work for the New York surgeon George Emerson Brewer as an office manager. == Recognition and awards ==

Recognition and awards

MacDonald received the Distinguished Service Cross from the United States Congress on February 27, 1919, making her the first woman to receive the award and one of only three women during World War I. Other awards at the time for her heroism included the French Croix de Guerre (Bronze), the British Military Medal for gallantry, the British Royal Red Cross (Second Class) medal, and the United States Distinguished Service Medal. == Later life ==

Later life

In her later years, MacDonald lived in Manhattan. She died on September 4, 1969 and was interred with full military honors at Long Island National Cemetery. == References ==

Source: Wikipedia ↗

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