Book on table titled "Jane Kendeigh: Brave Nurse of World War II"

There are many courageous individuals who have served in the military, but the one who stands out for this month’s NVMM Reads is Jane Kendeigh. Born in Oberlin, Ohio, in 1922, she decided she wanted to be a nurse right out of high school. She pursued her training at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cleveland and upon graduation, amid the chaos of World War II, she refused to stay on the sidelines. Kendeigh was sent straight to the battlefield, making her the first Navy flight nurse to work in an active combat zone in American history.

In Jane Kendeigh: Brave Nurse of World War II, a vivid graphic novel, Emma Carlson Berne and Karen De La Vega present the reader with one woman’s experiences on the front line. Kendeigh served bravely alongside male servicemembers as she provided aid in extremely dangerous environments and frequently faced the difficult decision of who to take care of first – often with life-or-death consequences. Her legacy reminds us that bravery is not always about carrying a weapon, oftentimes it is about carrying hope in the most harrowing of circumstances.

Extend Your Learning:

Use these comprehension questions with your kids or students to build their literacy skills!

What is the main idea of the story? What details let us know that this is the main idea?
What were some of the skills Jane learned how to do during the nursing program?
What does the term “flight nurse” mean and how is it different from other kinds of nurses?
How do the illustrations show the intensity or danger of Jane’s work?
What risks did flight nurses like Jane face and why might those risks have been underappreciated?
How might Jane’s story have changed public perceptions of nurses and women in the military?
If you were in Jane’s position, how do you think you would feel taking on the task of helping people in such a dangerous situation?

To learn more about Jane Kendeigh’s service, check out this video by Zero Foxtrot Official on YouTube: Jane Kendeigh

Want to make your own graphic novel or comic? Check out this website for printable templates to help get the process started: Graphic Novel/Comic Book Templates

If you are one of our central Ohio neighbors, check out the book at your local branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library where the book is available. Then come to the NVMM and learn more about unique Veteran stories that can be found throughout American History.

Back to Blog

NVMM Reads: “Year of the Jungle”

Extend Your Learning:

The NVMM is Open on MLK Day!

$1 Admission on Jan. 16 in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.