Beatrice Mary MacDonald

Beatrice Mary MacDonald, ARRC (September 27, 1881 – September 4, 1969) was a Canadian-born American nurse who served in the United States Army Nurse Corps during World War I. On January 4, 1936, she received a Purple Heart for combat wounds during World War I, making her (retroactively) the first woman to receive the award. MacDonald was also one of four women to receive the United States Distinguished Service Cross for her heroism during World War I. Other awards for her heroism included the French Croix de Guerre (Bronze), the British Military Medal for gallantry, the British Royal Red Cross (Second Class) medal, and the United States Distinguished Service Medal.

Early life and education MacDonald was born in the North Bedeque community on Prince Edward Island in Canada. After returning to the United States, she went to work for the New York surgeon George Emerson Brewer as an office manager.

Recognition and awards MacDonald received the Distinguished Service Cross from the United States Congress on February 27, 1919, making her the first woman to receive the award and one of only three women during World War I. Other awards at the time for her heroism included the French Croix de Guerre (Bronze), the British Military Medal for gallantry, the British Royal Red Cross (Second Class) medal, and the United States Distinguished Service Medal.

Later life In her later years, MacDonald lived in Manhattan. She died on September 4, 1969 and was interred with full military honors at Long Island National Cemetery.