600 African American nurses
Nurses worked closer to the front lines than they ever had before. Within the "chain of evacuation" established by the Army Medical Department during the war, nurses served under fire in field hospitals and evacuation hospitals, on hospital trains and hospital ships, and as flight nurses on medical transport planes.
From 1943 to 1948, the US government even provided free education for nursing students. In June 1944, army nurses were granted officers' commissions, dependents' allowances, and equal pay. WWII nurses were trained in things like field sanitation, mental health, and the administration of anaesthetics.
Despite promises of equal treatment, blacks were relegated to separate regiments commanded by white officers. Black soldiers received less pay than white soldiers, inferior benefits, and poorer food and equipment.
She was the author of Reminiscences of My Life in Camp with the 33rd United States Colored Troops, Late
1st S.C. Volunteers.
Susie Taylor.
| Susie King Taylor |
|---|
| Died | October 6, 1912 (age 64) |
| Resting place | Mount Hope Cemetery, Roslindale, Massachusetts |
| Citizenship | American |
| Known for | Author Civil War Nurse Educator |
Early YearsHer mother was a domestic servant. By age seven, Taylor was allowed to move to Savannah, Georgia, to live with her grandmother, Dolly. Most of her childhood was spent with two of her eight siblings and with Grandmother Dolly, who encouraged Taylor to learn to read and write.
Taylor married Sergeant Edward King of the South Carolina Volunteers (later the 33rd U.S. Colored Infantry) and traveled with him as the regiment's laundress, although she also served as cook, teacher, and nurse. Scholar Victoria Sherrow lists her as a Civil War spy, but this information appears unconfirmed (p. 269).
Susie King Taylor (August 6, 1848 - October 6, 1912) is known for being the first Black nurse during the American Civil War. Beyond just her aptitude in nursing the wounded of the 1st South Carolina Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Taylor was the first Black woman to self-publish her memoirs.
When did Susie Taylor die?
Taylor commanded the District of West Louisiana and was responsible for successfully opposing United States troops invading upper northwest Louisiana during the Red River Campaign of 1864. He was the only son of Zachary Taylor, the 12th president of the United States.
