Annie Fox (nurse)

Lt. Annie G. Fox (August 4, 1893 – January 20, 1987) was the first woman to receive the Purple Heart for combat. She served as the chief nurse in the Army Nurse Corps at Hickam Field during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, on December 7, 1941. At that time the awarding of the Purple Heart did not require the service person to be injured. The requirements were changed after the attack of Pearl Harbor and LT Fox was awarded the Bronze Star because Fox was not wounded in the attack.

First Lieutenant Annie G. Fox was on duty at the time of the attack of the Japanese Imperial Navy on Hawaii. For her outstanding performance, Fox was recommended for and awarded the Purple Heart. Because of that, it is often misreported that she was injured during the attack; in fact, she was not. Fox was presented the Purple Heart on October 26, 1942 at Hickam Field. Colonel William Boyd, Post Commander read the citation which was commanded by Brigadier General W.E. Farthing and signed by Colonel L.P. Turner, Air Corps Executive Officer.

The Purple Heart was awarded for “outstanding performance of duty and meritorious acts of extraordinary fidelity. . . During the attack, Lieutenant Fox, in an exemplary manner, performed her duties as head Nurse of the Station Hospital. . . in addition she administered anesthesia to patients during the heaviest part of the bombardment, assisted in dressing the wounded, taught civilian volunteer nurses to make dressings, and worked ceaselessly with coolness and efficiency, and her fine example of calmness, courage and leadership was of great benefit to the morale of all with whom she came in contact...”

The Purple Heart was originally established by General George Washington in 1782. It was re-instituted in 1932 for the bicentennial of Washington's birth. Although generally awarded to service members wounded in action, it was also awarded for any "singularly meritorious act of extraordinary fidelity or essential service." Later in the war, the requirements for award of the Purple Heart were limited to wounds received as a result of enemy action. At that time, individuals were given other awards to replace the Purple Heart.

On October 6, 1944, 1st Lieutenant Fox was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. The Report of Decorations Board cited the same acts of heroism as those cited for the Purple Heart. The last paragraph of the report reads:

“The Bronze Star Medal is in lieu of the Purple Heart awarded. . . Since Lieutenant Fox was not wounded in action. Cancellation of the award of the Purple Heart is also recommended.” The recommendation of the board was approved. Fox was presented the Purple Heart on October 26, 1942 at Hickam Field. Colonel William Boyd, Post Commander read the citation which was commanded by Brigadier General W.E. Farthing and signed by Colonel L.P. Turner, Air Corps Executive Officer (Photo in Honolulu Advertiser, 10.27.1942, p 12)