Cordelia Elizabeth Cook (March 17, 1919 – June 19, 1996) was an American combat nurse in the United States Army Nurse Corps during World War II. She was the first woman in the U.S. Army to receive both the Bronze Star Medal award and the Purple Heart.
Cordelia E. Cook | |
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Born | March 17, 1919 Fort Thomas, Kentucky, U.S. |
Died | June 19, 1996 Upper Arlington, Ohio, U.S. | (aged 77)
Resting place | Evergreen Cemetery, Southgate, Campbell County, Kentucky, US |
Occupation | registered nurse |
Cook went by the name "Betty".[1]
Cook attended the Christ Hospital School of Nursing in Cincinnati, Ohio.[1] She continued her nursing duties in World War II in the Presenzano sector at the Italian front.[2] She received a Bronze Star Medal award for her service, being the first woman to receive the award.[3][4]