Memories of a Tuskegee Airmen Nurse and Her Military Sisters

Pia Marie Winters Jordan's new book focuses on the long-untold story of the Black nurses at Tuskegee Army Airfield, where they provided health care for Tuskegee Airmen pilots undergoing basic and advanced flight training during World War II. As the daughter of one of the military nurses, Jordan inherited her mother's scrapbook and was inspired to create this very special volume, which describes the vital role played by those who were not pilots but who provided essential ground support for them. Significantly, the book highlights the role of Black women as World War II military officers, a subject that has long been neglected. Her description of individual Tuskegee Airmen nurses reminds readers that the story of World War II was not just about groups but individuals, each one with her own story, each as concerned with equal rights and opportunities as any of the other Tuskegee Airmen, and each dedicated to victory for the United States over its enemies and the enemies of freedom.--Daniel Haulman, retired USAF historian "author of The Tuskegee Airmen: An Illustrated History"
The incredible, little-known story of the Tuskegee Airmen nurses is finally told. Written by Pia Jordan, daughter of Tuskegee Army Nurse Louise Lomax, this book provides a fascinating personal view of their history informed by conversations the author had with other airmen nurses and their families. These nurses served stateside and abroad. Fighting against segregation, discrimination, and Jim Crow laws to join the American Nurses Association and the Army Air Corps, these ladies persevered and achieved. They too are Documented Original Tuskegee Airmen (DOTA). This book recounts their amazing story.--Leigh Roberts, chair, Tuskegee Airmen Inc. Heritage-Kindred Committee, daughter of DOTA George S. "Spanky" Roberts
Here is a book--engaging and significant--that tells of the trials and triumphs of a group of trailblazing Black nurses, whose work has essentially been invisible till now. The personal and professional lives of the Army Nurse Corps of Tuskegee Air Base come alive in this work. A poignant and uplifting read.--Nancy Langston, professor emeritus and dean, VCU School of Nursing, and honorary alumnus of the St. Philip Alumni Association
Jordan's passion for the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen nurses is evident in this fine work. This book is truly a labor of love and a worthwhile read.--Lisa Bratton, associate professor of history, Tuskegee University, and former historian, National Park Service Tuskegee Airmen Oral History Project
Memories of a Tuskegee Airmen Nurse and Her Military Sisters is a remarkable book that tells the story of twenty-seven trailblazing young women who embarked on a journey to serve their county by providing nursing care. They served with honor, setting new standards for me and other women of color who entered the military as nursing corps officers in the Air Force, Army, and Navy. I salute these brave women. Thanks to Pia Marie Winters Jordan for telling their story.--Marsha Starks, lieutenant colonel, USAF, and chief nurse executive
The stories are great, but the bulk of the book is factual history. There is, as expected, a nicely complete biographical summary of the life of Jordan's mother, one of the last nurses to serve there... and each nurse described here deserves her place in the permanent history of those who, by serving in uniform, helped move the civil rights movement forward.--Don Noble "author of Alabama Noir"
We are in Jordan's debt for shedding light on this little-known aspect of African American military history.--Russell K. Brown "The Journal of America's Military Past"