Annie G. Fox was an officer in the US Army Nurse Corps. She was on duty as chief nurse at Hickman Field, Oahu, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941, during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. For her “outstanding performance of duty and meritorious acts of extraordinary fidelity…” she was awarded the Purple Heart.
The citation went on to state, “During the attack, Lieutenant Fox, in an exemplary manner, performed her duties as head Nurse of the Station Hospital… in addition she administered anesthesia to patients during the heaviest part of the bombardment, assisted in dressing the wounded, taught civilian volunteer nurses to make dressings, and worked ceaselessly with coolness and efficiency, and her fine example of calmness, courage and leadership was of great benefit to the morale of all with whom she came in contact….”
The Purple Heart is a distinguished military award originally created in 1782, by President George Washington. At the time Lt. Fox received the award (October 26, 1942) there was no requirement of having sustained serious injury during battle; instead, the award could be given for any “singularly meritorious act of extraordinary fidelity or essential service.”
After Fox received her Purple Heart the additional requirement of having had received wounds during enemy action was instituted. As a result, on October 6, 1944, Fox was issued a Bronze Star Medal in lieu of the Purple Heart previously awarded in 1942. Regardless of the decoration, it is clear Fox acted with great heroism, courage and service to her country, and was an extraordinary American patriot.
We honor you, Annie Fox.