Healing war’s wounds

COTTONWOOD SHORES — American women who served in the military as nurses at home or overseas helped save the lives of countless airmen, soldiers, sailors and Marines during World War II. 

That point is vividly made during “They Called Them Angels,” a new play by Kathi Jackson that will debut this weekend at the Hill Country Community Theatre, 4003 W. FM 2147.

“We can’t do without nurses, even in a combat zone,” the voice of one battle-hardened commander proclaims during the show. “The patients’ morale goes up 100 percent when they know a woman is looking after them.” 

The one-act piece portrays eight former Army and Navy nurses during a bittersweet reunion as they recall the tragedy of war and the courage it took to survive its horrors.  

Debbie Balsam plays Helen; Priscilla Castaneda, Louine; Vickie Cody, Marie; Francie Dix, Connie; Pam Hawley, Ruth; Carolyn Lloyd, Juanita and Janina; and Linda Maher, Ginny. Each of the nurses remember harrowing experiences as they tended to wounded warriors on the ground, aboard ships at sea or planes in the sky. 

The play will run during the upcoming Pearl Harbor Remembrance Weekend, and the commendable acting in “Angels” deserves attention. 

“The ladies have done a good job,” says director Jim McDermott, also the executive director of the theater. 

Ginny recalls life at Oahu, Hawaii, the Saturday before the “Day of Infamy,” when a sneak attack by Japanese forces destroyed most of the U.S. Navy fleet Dec. 7, 1941, at Pearl Harbor. 

“Gosh, the last night of peace was beautiful,” Ginny says. “December in Hawaii — who could ask for anything better?” 

While doing their part to help America win the war, the nurses often wore oversized uniforms, fended off hungry insects, dug foxholes with helmets and wrapped themselves in wet towels to endure unbearable heat. 

Under such conditions, soap was “gold” and ice cream was a luxury both to nurses and troops. 

Nor were the nurses shielded from hostile fire because they were healers. 

“How naive we were to think those giant red crosses on the tents would protect us,” says Helen. “I think they used them as targets.” 

Other nurses recall the hardship of surviving in a prisoner-of-war camp in the Philippines, where there were only two bathtubs, four toilets and minimal privacy for more than 400 women. 

As they struggled to heal troops, some nurses suffered bladder infections, dehydration, constipation and diarrhea. However, most of them could not be deterred from their duty to serve “so many ready to give their lives for our country” and “put the men ahead of ourselves.”

“Even the toughest Marine when wounded is just another homesick boy,” says Ruth. “They were so scared. They were so afraid they wouldn’t make it through their next advance, and so often, they were right.” 

The play is based on the book “They Called Them Angels: American Military Nurses of World War II” written by Texas native Jackson eight years ago. 

Jackson has also lectured at St. Edward’s University about the service of women during the war. 

“I hope Kathi is going to get something out of this (play),” McDermott said. “She is interested in taking it to other places.” 

The Commemorative Air Force Highland Lakes Squadron based in Burnet has contributed several authentic World War II props to the production, including cots, helmets and lockers. 

The theater will present the premiere of “They Called Them Angels” 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2:15 p.m. Sunday. Jackson will appear at all performances to meet patrons. For ticket information, call (830) 798-8944. 

Jackson will also sign copies of her book noon-2 p.m. Saturday at Serendipity Books, 1103 RR 1431 West in Marble Falls.

raymond@thepicayune.com

Photo by Raymond V. Whelan