Ann Demolski
Published: 2014-02-05
Total Pages: 0
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"Tour of Duty - Memories of an Army Nurse" is a deeply moving memoir that unfolds through a series of heartfelt letters written by an Army nurse to her parents during her service in the Vietnam War. This collection of correspondence offers a unique and intimate glimpse into the daily realities, emotional struggles, and profound transformations experienced by a young woman far from home, yet at the heart of one of history's most contentious wars. The book begins with the author's initial letters, filled with optimism and a sense of adventure, as she embarks on her journey to Vietnam. Her early descriptions paint a vivid picture of the country's landscape and her eagerness to make a difference. As the memoir progresses, the tone of the letters shifts, reflecting the author's confrontation with the brutalities of war and the suffering she witnesses in the EVAC hospital where she is stationed. Through her words to her parents, the nurse shares the bonds she forms with her fellow medical staff and the soldiers they treat. She writes of the long, grueling hours, the sounds of helicopters delivering the wounded, and the race against time to provide critical care. The letters are punctuated with moments of humanity-soldiers sharing stories of home, the laughter amidst tears, and the small acts of kindness that provide solace in a war-torn environment. This memoir is a powerful tribute to the courage and sacrifice of military nurses. It provides readers with a personal, unfiltered account of the Vietnam War, as seen through the eyes of a compassionate and courageous woman who served her country with honor. "Tour of Duty - Memories of an Army Nurse" is a compelling read for anyone interested in military history, nursing, or the transformative power of writing through adversity.