Army Nurse Corps Voices from the Vietnam War

Brief Summary

Army Nurse Corps Voices from the Vietnam War by Janet D. Tanner offers an oral history exploring the experiences of women who served in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps during the Vietnam War. Through the narratives of eight women, the book traces their journeys from deciding to become nurses, their time in surgical and evacuation hospitals in Vietnam, and their return home to navigate the aftermath of the war on their personal and professional lives. The book delves into their lived experiences of treating injured American soldiers, Vietnamese civilians, and enemy troops, providing a vivid tapestry of the physical and emotional landscapes they navigated during the war.

Main Themes and Topics

Key themes in the book include the dual battlefronts faced by these women: the challenge of medical care in a warzone and the psychological and physical threats they endured, including fear of the enemy and facing sexual violence and harassment. The book also confronts the long-lasting effects of trauma, both visible and invisible, that these nurses carried with them post-war. By unearthing personal stories of treating patients from all walks of life during the conflict, the book sheds light on the humanity that these nurses had to preserve amidst the chaos of war. Moreover, it addresses historical sexual abuse in the military, an issue that these narratives bring to the forefront, urging a reexamination of the treatment of women in uniform.

Writing Style and Tone

Janet D. Tanner employs a compelling oral history format that permits the voices of the women to stand at the forefront, offering authenticity and depth to their stories. The writing is characterized by a compassionate and respectful tone, allowing the readers to form a personal connection with each nurse's narrative. The book's structure meticulously balances individual testimonies with overarching themes, creating a comprehensive view of their complex experiences. This approach not only documents their histories but also provides an emotional resonance that enhances the reader's understanding of the profound impact of the Vietnam War on these women's lives.