Alice Rosemary Christensen
Bio
Alice Christensen enlisted in the United States Navy upon graduation from high school. She had an older sister who had served in the U.S. Navy, and she recalled how she loved the uniform. After completing an aptitude test, she was placed in the medical field. She served in hospitals in Portsmouth, Virginia, and later at Camp Lejune, North Carolina, where she worked with dependents of United States Marines. She served as a civilian nurse upon her departure from the Navy and was very proud of her service.
Video Clips
Family Military History, Message to Students, and Feelings on Women in Combat
Alice Christensen reflects on the many benefits serving in the military provided her--personally, professionally, and financially. She admits she would have liked to have remained in the military and made it a career. She expresses that she doesn’t think women should serve in combat, but that there are many jobs available for women in the military. She shares that her family have been serving since the Revolutionary War. She shares that she even tried to convince her daughter to join, but without success. .
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Women in the Military
Alice Christensen explains the concept of the Women Accepted for Voluntary Emergency Service or "WAVES" in the U.S. Navy, as well as the women U.S. Marines, whom she worked with extensively while serving on a Marine base in North Carolina. She describes the rules for their uniforms and makeup and admits that the U.S. Marines were much more strict than the U.S. Navy.. She discusses the camaraderie between the women in the two branches.
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Receiving a Commendation for a Special Patient Case
Alice Christensen recalls a special patient she cared for during her time in Portsmouth. She shares how the patient had viral encephalitis and survived the condition, which was extraordinary for the time. She describes the treatment this patient underwent, especially the use of an iron lung. She adds she received a special commendation from Washington, D.C., for her role in the care of this patient. She shares that she even had a picture of her and the other medical staff in the newspaper
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