[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 97 (Wednesday, July 17, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S6945]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN MEMORY OF COLONEL RUBY BRADLEY, ARMY NURSE

 Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, on July 2, 2002, a modern 
American hero was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Her name is 
Ruby Bradley, and she is the most decorated woman ever to serve in the 
U.S. military.
  Ruby was an Army nurse stationed in Manila. On September 23, 1943, 
she was captured by the Japanese Army. During her 3-year imprisonment, 
she was known as a member of the Angels in Fatigues. This small group 
of nurses took it upon themselves to care for those within the camp. 
Ruby assisted in 230 operations and delivered 13 babies while dropping 
to a weight of just over 80 pounds. She starved herself so the 
imprisoned children could eat, trusting that she would be able to cling 
to her own life.
  On February 3, 1945, her faith paid off in the form of what she 
described as ``the best Saturday night performance I'll ever see in my 
life.'' American troops freed those who were being held captive, and 
Ruby returned to her home in Spencer, WV, to a hero's parade. But 
Ruby's military journey was not over.
  Her sacrifice, generosity, and compassion took her to the Korean war, 
where she again found herself in the midst of grave danger. The Army 
sent a plane to retrieve Ruby, but she was the last person to board 
that plane. After running from her ambulance just before it was blown 
up by enemy bombs, she loaded the sick and wounded. Once again, she 
returned to Spencer as the honoree of a hero's parade.
  In 1963, Ruby retired from the Army, having earned 34 medals and 
citations, including the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star, in honor 
of her tenacious devotion to this Nation and all that we stand for.
  I had the privilege of visiting Ruby in her home 3 years ago and 
presented her with replacement medals that had been lost over the 
years. In this short time, it was obvious to me what an inspiration she 
was to her family and community, and it was obvious why she was honored 
with the rank of colonel by the Army. Ruby Bradley was a woman whose 
soul knew no limits. Her heart had room for everyone, and she was not 
reluctant to assist those around her, no matter their age, race, or 
condition.
  Ruby once said, ``I just want to be remembered as an Army nurse.'' 
Her family can rest assured that she will be remembered as an Army 
nurse, one of the best this Nation has seen and will ever see. Her 
courage in the midst of conflict serves as a shining example to those 
around her and will continue to be a beacon for bravery in the future 
for West Virginia and for America.

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