Gen. Gary North presents a medallion to Doris Avery, a member of the "Greatest Generation" to honor her efforts in World War II Feb. 5, 2010, at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, Hawaii. General North presented the Noncommissioned Officers' Association World War II Veterans Medallion to Mrs. Avery for her heroic efforts. General North is the Pacific Air Forces commander. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jerome S. Tayborn | | JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (2/8/2010 - AFNS) -- The Pacific Air Forces commander presented a medal to a member of the "Greatest Generation" during a ceremony here Feb. 5.
Doris Avery accepted the Noncommissioned Officers' Association World War II Veterans Medallion for her service as a lieutenant in the Army Nurse Corps during World War II in the PACAF Courtyard of Heroes from Gen. Gary North.
The medallion recognizes World War II veterans who displayed valor, sacrifice and fidelity during service.
Lieutenant Avery received her commission into the Army Nurses Corps in 1943. After completing air evacuation school, she was assigned to Air Transportation Command South West Pacific Theater Air Evacuation Squadron in September 1944.
As a flight nurse on medical air evacuation flights, Lieutenant Avery amassed for than 800 flight hours. These missions often took place over combat zones in the Eastern Mandate, Western Pacific and Southern Philippines, where she was subjected to possible interception by enemy aircraft and anti-aircraft fire. She received an Air Medal for her actions.
Lieutenant Avery was joined by her husband, Alden, and their daughter at the ceremony.
"This award is truly about service," General North said. "We've got an incredible family here, one that was called to duty by the needs of the nation. We're very proud not to just honor her service, but the service of the thousands who served with her." |
