First-Hand Accounts
The Library of Congress interviewed veterans for their Veterans History Project. One nurse interviewed was ANC First Lt. Ruth M. Dorsman, about her time helping the wounded in dangerous conditions after the invasion of Normandy. In her own words:
“Many times, shells and bombs landed dangerously close to our hospital—but fortunately, there were no direct hits,” she said. “We had no lights or heat in our living areas, and some nights could be pretty cold. Our water tank was kept full of drinkable water. We bathed in a helmet-full of cold water. Our toilets were slit trenches or a hole in the ground.” “I would not change those days in the Army for anything. I was proud to serve my country, and I’m proud to be an American.”
Another nurse interviewed was Marian Charlotte Jones. She spoke of her memories of serving after D-Day.
“Things I’ll never forget—the total destruction of whole towns,” said Jones. “Nothing left but a pile of rubble. The stench of rotting flesh. The booming sound of the 155-millimeter guns in the field behind us so loud it shakes the ground. The joy of a letter from home or a box of homemade cookies that you share … periods of unbearable homesickness.”
