Slate Belt VA Blog Posts
Colonel Ruby Bradley: A Heroine of Courage and Sacrifice
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we honor the trailblazing women who have shaped history through their courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication. Among them stands Colonel Ruby Bradley, one of the most decorated women in U.S. military history. Her bravery and selflessness in the face of extreme adversity serve as a powerful testament to the strength of women in the armed forces, paving the way for future generations.
Service & Sacrifice
Ruby Bradley was a U.S. Army nurse whose military career spanned World War II and the Korean War. Her story is one of extraordinary heroism, particularly during her time as a prisoner of war (POW) in the Philippines.
A Nurse in Captivity
Captured by the Japanese in 1941 after the fall of the Philippines, Bradley spent over three years in a prison camp, enduring brutal conditions. Despite the severe lack of medical supplies and food, she continued to care for those around her. With unmatched resilience, she:
Secretly provided medical care to fellow prisoners, often risking her own life.
Assisted in over 230 surgeries, working with makeshift tools.
Delivered 13 babies, ensuring new life even in the darkest of times.
Bradley’s selflessness extended beyond medicine—she gave her own food rations to malnourished children, exemplifying the highest form of sacrifice.
A Legacy of Bravery
After WWII, Bradley continued her service, re-enlisting for the Korean War, where she again demonstrated immense courage. She served as Chief Nurse and assisted in over 17 battlefield evacuations, narrowly escaping capture once more.
Her extraordinary career earned her numerous accolades, including:
Two Legion of Merit awards
Two Bronze Stars
A POW Medal
The Florence Nightingale Medal—the highest international honor for nurses
Honoring Her Impact
Colonel Ruby Bradley’s legacy is a reminder of the strength and sacrifices of women in the military. Her unwavering commitment to saving lives in the most extreme conditions is an inspiration to all. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let us remember pioneers like Bradley, who paved the way for women in uniform today.
Her story is not just history—it is a call to recognize, honor, and support the brave women who serve, past and present.
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