Memorial Day - Honoring Healthcare Heroes

Memorial Day is a time for us to reflect on and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Among these heroes are the courageous medics, nurses and surgeons who selflessly provided medical aid and saved countless lives in the midst of combat. In this post, we pay tribute to a few of these famous heathcare heroes who demonstrated unwavering dedication to their fellow soldiers and left an indelible mark on history. 

Florence Nightingale is widely regarded as the founder of modern nursing. She gained prominence during the Crimean War in the 1850s, where she and a team of nurses provided medical care to wounded soldiers. Nightingale's emphasis on hygiene, sanitation, and compassionate care revolutionized nursing practices and had a lasting impact on the profession. 

Clara Barton was a pioneering nurse who played a crucial role in providing medical aid during the American Civil War. Known as the "Angel of the Battlefield," Barton worked tirelessly to provide supplies, medical care, and support to wounded soldiers on both sides of the conflict. She went on to establish the American Red Cross. 

Dr. Mary Edwards Walker was a pioneering surgeon with the Union Army during the American Civil War. She was the first and only woman to receive the Medal of Honor for her medical service. Walker worked in military hospitals and on the front lines, treating wounded soldiers on both sides during the war. One of her notable quotes was “Let the generations know that women in uniform also guaranteed their freedom.”

Benjamin Salomon, a dentist and captain in the United States Army, exemplified the true spirit of a combat surgeon during World War II. Salomon provided critical medical aid to his comrades during the Battle of Saipan. When wounded and under attack, he refused to leave his post, instead continuing to treat injured soldiers and moving them out of harm's way. His heroic actions and sacrifice were posthumously recognized with the Medal of Honor. 

Robert D. Maxwell served as a United States Army medic during World War II. He displayed incredible bravery at Omaha Beach during D-Day, June 6, 1944. Under heavy fire, Maxwell tended to wounded soldiers, often exposing himself to enemy fire to provide life-saving care. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions. 

Desmond Doss, a conscientious objector during World War II, served as a combat medic with the United States Army. Despite facing adversity due to his refusal to bear arms, Doss fearlessly braved the Battle of Okinawa, rescuing wounded soldiers without a weapon. His unwavering courage during one of the bloodiest battles of the war earned him the Medal of Honor, making him the first conscientious objector to receive this prestigious award. 

Colonel Ruby Bradley was an American nurse who served during World War II and the Korean War. She spent 34 months as a prisoner of war in the Philippines during World War II and continued to care for fellow POWs under harsh conditions. Bradley's dedication to providing medical care in challenging circumstances earned her numerous awards and accolades. 

Joseph P. Martinez was a United States Army medic during the Korean War. He distinguished himself during the Battle of Pork Chop Hill in 1953 when he single-handedly treated and evacuated several wounded soldiers under intense enemy fire. Despite being wounded multiple times, Martinez selflessly continued to care for his comrades. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary valor. 

Tom Bennett served during the Vietnam War as a United States Navy corpsman with the Marine Corps. Known for his unwavering bravery, Bennett fearlessly ventured into danger to provide life-saving medical care to wounded Marines. His selfless actions during the Battle of Huế, where he repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire, earned him the Medal of Honor and cemented his legacy as an exemplary combat medic. 

Monica Lin Brown was a United States Army medic who served in Afghanistan. In 2007, during an ambush, she exposed herself to enemy fire to provide medical care to injured soldiers. Brown shielded wounded soldiers and used her body as a human shield, risking her own safety to protect them. Her actions earned her the Silver Star, becoming the second woman since World War II to receive the award. 

At Green Scrubs, we believe looking good and feeling good go hand in hand. Providing awesome surgical hats may be our passion but keeping this community of health care heroes safe and informed is our inspiration. We will continue to offer news and tips in the hope that they give some clarity and guidance.