Nancy Leftenant-Colon, who passed away at 104, made history as the first Black nurse in the regular U.S. armed forces. Her journey began in 1941 when she first attempted to enlist after nursing school but faced racial barriers for years. Finally, in 1948, she succeeded in joining the U.S. Army Nurse Corps, shortly before desegregation efforts took place. During World War II, she was one of only 500 Black nurses to serve amidst a demand for medical personnel, illustrating her resilience and commitment to her profession despite systemic racism.
"Mrs. Leftenant-Colon struggled to join the Army for seven years while being repeatedly told that Black women were not accepted."
"She had first tried to enlist in 1941, fresh out of nursing school, but was told the military did not accept Black women."
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