“Today, we remember Captain Margaret “Maggie” Reilly, a dedicated U.S. Army nurse whose service represented the courage and compassion of the medical personnel who cared for America’s wounded during the Vietnam War.

Originally from Boston, Reilly joined the Army in 1967 after completing her nursing degree. She soon found herself thousands of miles from home, serving at the 12th Evacuation Hospital in Cu Chi, South Vietnam.

Working in the operating rooms and hospital wards, Captain Reilly helped care for wounded soldiers arriving from combat operations. The injuries could be severe, the hours exhausting, and the conditions far removed from the hospitals nurses had known back home.

Yet Reilly continued doing what Army nurses were trained to do: treat the wounded, assist medical teams, and provide comfort to soldiers during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

For many young service members, nurses like Reilly became more than medical professionals. They were familiar voices and reassuring faces in an unfamiliar place, offering compassion to soldiers who were injured, frightened, and thousands of miles away from their families.

Her work required resilience as well as medical skill. Day after day, she and her fellow nurses faced the physical and emotional demands of caring for casualties while continuing their mission regardless of the circumstances around them.

Captain Margaret “Maggie” Reilly’s service reflects the contribution of the military nurses who worked behind the front lines and dedicated themselves to bringing wounded Americans home.

Today, we honor Maggie and all the nurses who served during the Vietnam War.

Their compassion, courage, and selfless service remain an important part of America’s military history.

Thank you, Captain Reilly, and thank you to every Vietnam nurse who stood beside America’s wounded when they needed you most.
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