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Major Elza Medeiros - brazilian nurse - passed away

Discussion in 'WWII Obituaries' started by JulioMoc, Dec 13, 2009.

  1. JulioMoc

    JulioMoc Member

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    [​IMG]

    Major Elza Cansanção Medeiros     (1921 - 2009) passed away last Dec. 8, at age 88. She was the first Brazilian to volunteer for World War II, doing so on April 18, 1943. She wanted to fight on the frontline, but the Brazilian military had no place for female soldiers back then. So, she became a nurse, graduating top of her class.

    Elza was fluent in English, being one of the few that could settle the disputes between american-brazilian staff, and thus became chief-nurse at the 7th Field Hospital in Livorno, Italy.

    It is said that no soldier treated by her died.

    Major Elza retired in 1976, being awarded 36 medals. She was the most decorated Brazilian woman, and the dean of Brazilian military women.

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    Major Elza in a Brazilian Independence Day military parade, 2007.

    Sala de Guerra: Elza Cansanção Medeiros
     
    JulioMoc, Dec 13, 2009
    #1
    Slipdigit likes this.
  2. Slipdigit

    Slipdigit Good Ol' Boy Staff Member WW2|ORG Editor

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    She seems like quite a gal. Even in the picture you posted, she appears to have a lot of light in her eyes.
     
    Slipdigit, Dec 13, 2009
    #2
  3. Kai-Petri

    Kai-Petri Kenraali

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    R.I.P. Elza! You will be remembered....
     
    Kai-Petri, Dec 14, 2009
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