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WORLD WAR II ARMY NURSE HONORED 60 YEARS LATER
--
"My father and mother were very upset because I
was
the only girl. I had two brothers that were
already
serving, and my father said that was enough."
Marie Serafinowicz -- then and now
Story here...
http://www.midhudsonnews.
com/News/Serafinowicz_
medals-07May07.html
Story below:
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WWII Army nurse honored 60 years later
Poughkeepsie -- A former United States Army nurse has finally received
several medals for her service during World War II, nearly six decades
after her duties in the Army were finished.
City of Poughkeepsie resident Marie Serafinowicz, 88, served in the US
Army as a nurse from 1943-46 stationed in Nebraska, but said she doesn’t
remember ever getting any medals.
After six months of the work by the Dutchess County Veteran’s Affairs
office, Marie was awarded four medals during a ceremony held at her home
in the River Valley Care Center in the City of Poughkeepsie Friday.
They included the American Campaign Medal, given for her military
service; the World War II Victory medal, given to all WWII veterans; the
Honorable Service Lapel pin, given to all war veterans; and the Cold War
Certificate, given to any soldier who served between the years of 1945-
1990.
Dutchess County Director of Veterans Affairs Nelson Rivera worked to get
the medals to the former Army nurse.
He said it makes a world of difference when he
sees veterans receive these long overdue awards.
“It truly means a lot to them to see their accomplishments, and what
they did in the military. It’s also something they can pass on to
children and grandchildren; they couldn’t do before because they didn’t
have anything. Now they have something that will stay in the family
forever.”
Mrs. Serafinowicz said she spent most of her time during World War II on
the base, and remembered the times with her colleagues, but also has
memories of treating German soldiers.
She said her parents weren’t particularly happy with her joining the
service, but she said she felt obligated to do so, but she leave a
promise with her father.
“My father and mother were very upset because I was the only girl. I had
two brothers that were already serving, and my father said that was
enough,” Marie said. “I guess I was just a little bullheaded. I wanted
to go in so I did, but my father said he would feel better if I promised
him I wouldn’t go overseas, so I didn’t.”
County Executive William Steinhaus said he feels it is important for
vets to receive honors, even if they are late.
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Larry Scott --
