August 8, 2006 Nursing With the 79th Station Hospital

In another of the Interlaken Historical Society newsletter articles by a veteran who served in World War II, Marjorie Wilcox Horton shared her reflections in the June 1992 issue.

During World War II, I was a young graduate nurse from Arnot Ogden Hospital in Elmira where I was a supervisor on Women's Ward. It was wartime and there was a shortage of doctors and interns. On May 1st, 1943, I enlisted in the Army Nurse Corps and was sent to Fort Jay for training. I was assigned to a group of nurses that was to be the 79th Station Hospital.

We heard about a "big push" in Italy and a need for over 4,000 nurses. So they took us out during the night to another camp where we received our overseas uniforms and equipment. A few days later we were on our way to Algiers where we' would “camp out” in a field until the Germans left Naples.

On the 18th we arrived in Bay at Naples. Our hospital was located two blocks off the main street, Via Roma. We occupied apartments that the enemies had suddenly deserted.

We all had to wear helmets as there was still bombing all around.

The windows were damaged in the hospital. I was assigned as head nurse on Orthopedics.

A smoke screen was put up most nights to hide the Bay where our ships were stationed - we fled to the bomb shelters.

As the Germans moved north, we had patients from the battles at Anzio and Ceserta and yet I recall the fierce battle when the American Japanese group was crossing the Repido River.

While in Naples I met Frank Horton where he was assigned to Headquarters in G3 section. He had been injured in the first landing in Africa. We were later married in Leghorn - January 1, 1945.

The 79th Station Hospital was getting ready to go to France.

At this time, I was transferred to North Western General Hospital in Rome for several months, and then moved to Leghorn.

In May 1945, the war ended and we celebrated VE Day with great joy. In July Frank's father died, so he left for home after five years of service. Soon I was sent to a staging area in Naples to await orders to return to America. We celebrated VJ Day in New York City. In October, we were both discharged from the Army. It was wonderful to return to the United States after two years, but I count it a great privilege to serve in the U. S. Army Nurse Corps.

Now I am pleased to announce that a memorial is to be built at the main gate in Arlington National Cemetery for the women in military service. The memorial will honor the 1.6 million women who have already served our nation and those who will follow in their steps.

Marjorie Wilcox Horton died August 8, 2006 and is buried at Lake View Cemetery with other Wilcox family members.

Military plaque, Lake View Cemetery, Interlaken
Author's personal collection

Dewitt’s Diary, Thursday, August 8, 1974
Temperature 55 Clear

Sprayed the potatoes

Did some scything.

Getting ready I hope to combine the wheat.

The President has decided to resign. We listened and watched his speech tonight down to Lem’s (9 o’clock). He is quitting effective tomorrow at noon and the Vice President, Gerald Ford becomes our new president.

This is the first time a President has resigned. A sad affair.