Colonel Ruby Bradley was one of the most decorated women in United States military history, known for her unwavering bravery and selflessness. A dedicated Army Nurse Corps officer, she endured captivity during World War II, displayed extraordinary heroism in the Korean War, and continued serving her country long after her military retirement. Her story is one of courage, sacrifice, and steadfast commitment to saving lives in the face of unimaginable adversity.
Early Life and Struggles:Â Born on December 19, 1907, in Spencer, West Virginia, Ruby Bradley grew up in a rural setting that instilled in her a strong work ethic and resilience. Determined to make a difference, she pursued a career in nursing, eventually joining the United States Army Nurse Corps in 1934. Her early years were marked by her dedication to serving others, an attribute that would define her entire career.
Military Enlistment and Heroics:Â Bradley began her service as a surgical nurse, working tirelessly to care for wounded soldiers. In December 1941, she was stationed at Camp John Hay in the Philippines when the Japanese army captured the base, just weeks after the attack on Pearl Harbor. She was taken as a prisoner of war and endured over three years of captivity. While imprisoned, Bradley and her fellow nurses, known as the "Angels in Fatigues," provided critical medical care to their fellow captives, often risking their own lives to smuggle food and medical supplies.
Defining Moment: During her time at the Santo Tomas Internment Camp in Manila, Bradley displayed extraordinary resilience and ingenuity. She assisted in over 230 surgeries and delivered 13 babies under primitive and dire conditions. Weighing only 86 pounds at the time of her rescue in February 1945, she had sacrificed her own well-being to ensure the survival of others. But her service did not end there. During the Korean War, she again demonstrated exceptional courage. In November 1950, during the Chinese counter-offensive, she refused to evacuate until she had ensured all wounded soldiers were safely transported from Pyongyang. She barely escaped enemy fire as her ambulance exploded behind her.
Post-War Life and Career: After World War II, Bradley continued to advance her education, earning a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California in 1949. She returned to military service, becoming the Chief Nurse of the 171st Evacuation Hospital during the Korean War. Her leadership was instrumental in organizing and supervising over 500 nurses across the battlefield. In 1958, she was promoted to colonel and retired from the Army in 1963. However, her dedication to healthcare never ceased; she spent 17 more years working as a civilian nurse supervisor in Roane County, West Virginia, while living on a ranch near her family.
Military Awards and Decorations: Colonel Bradley’s military career was marked by outstanding achievements, earning her 19 medals, decorations, and commendations, including:
- Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster
- Bronze Star Medal with oak leaf cluster
- Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster
- Prisoner of War Medal
- Presidential Unit Citation with oak leaf cluster
- Florence Nightingale Medal (International Red Cross)
- Korean Service Medal with three campaign stars
- And many more Her unwavering dedication to duty and heroism earned her a place among the most revered military figures in history.
Colonel Ruby Bradley's life exemplifies the highest standards of service, sacrifice, and heroism. From enduring the horrors of a prisoner-of-war camp to braving enemy fire to save wounded soldiers, she demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to her country and fellow service members. Even in her later years, she continued to serve as a civilian nurse, embodying the spirit of selflessness until her passing on May 28, 2002. She now rests in Arlington National Cemetery, a lasting tribute to her indomitable spirit and dedication to the United States of America. Her legacy remains a beacon of inspiration for generations to come.