Trailblazing Black Army Nurse Corps Veteran Dies At 104

This 1940's family handout photograph shows retired U.S. Army Nurse Corps Major Nancy Leftenant-Colon, at center. Leftenant-Colon, who was the first Black woman to join the U.S. Army Nurse Corps after

The U.S. Army Nurse Corps mourns the passing of Nancy Leftenant-Colon, the first Black woman to join the corps after the military's desegregation in the 1940s. Leftenant-Colon, who passed away at the age of 104 in a New York nursing home, was a trailblazer in breaking down racial barriers during her distinguished military career.

Known affectionately as 'Lefty,' she hailed from a family deeply rooted in military service, with six siblings, including a brother who was a renowned Tuskegee Airmen pilot. Tragically, her brother lost his life in a mid-air collision over Austria in 1945, and his remains were never recovered.

After the desegregation of the military in 1948, Leftenant-Colon initially served as a nurse in the all-Black 332nd Fighter Group before transitioning to the U.S. Air Force. Her service spanned the Korean and Vietnam wars, where she played pivotal roles in setting up hospital wards in Japan, evacuating French Legionnaires from Vietnam, and participating in the first medical evacuation flight into Dien Bien Phu.

Retiring as a chief nurse in 1965, Leftenant-Colon continued her dedication to healthcare by serving as a school nurse at Amityville Memorial High School from 1971 to 1984. Her impact was so profound that the school's library media center was named in her honor.

Served in Korean and Vietnam wars, setting up hospital wards.

First Black woman in U.S. Army Nurse Corps post-desegregation.

Transitioned from 332nd Fighter Group to U.S. Air Force.

Breaking barriers once again, Leftenant-Colon became the first woman elected to the presidency of the Tuskegee Airmen Inc., a position she held from 1989 to 1991. In recognition of her contributions, President George W. Bush awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to the Tuskegee Airmen as a group in 2007.

Described as a 'firecracker' by Suffolk County Legislator Jason Richberg, Leftenant-Colon was known for her authenticity, humility, and directness. Despite her remarkable achievements, she remained humble, emphasizing that she was simply 'doing her part' and encouraging others to strive for more.

Born in Goose Creek, South Carolina, in 1920, Leftenant-Colon was the granddaughter of a freed slave. Her family relocated to Amityville, New York, in 1923, where she spent her final days before passing away on January 8.