SCRANTON, PA — Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity joined veterans and community members Monday to honor Army nurse 2nd Lt. Carol Ann Drazba during a Women’s History Month ceremony recognizing her service and death during the Vietnam War.
Drazba, a Dunmore native, was killed Feb. 18, 1966, in a helicopter crash while traveling for rest and recuperation leave after serving in Vietnam.
Garrity said the event recognized the contributions of military nurses who cared for wounded service members during the war.
“2nd Lt. Carol Ann Drazba, and her fellow nurses … held the hands of young men who were frightened, wounded, and far from their families,” Garrity said. “They provided hope while soldiers healed and dignity and compassion in their final moments.”
Drazba studied nursing at the former Scranton State General Hospital School of Nursing and joined the Army Student Nurse Program, committing to serve two years as an Army nurse.
She was first stationed at Fort Huachuca in Arizona before deploying to Vietnam in October 1965, where she treated wounded U.S. service members.
The ceremony was held at the Gino J. Merli Veterans’ Center, where a memorial honoring Drazba has been installed.
The memorial was developed with support from Friends of the Forgotten North East Wing, a veterans advocacy group.
“Carol’s legacy was a labor of love and respect,” said Kim Atkinson, a veteran advocate. “Keeping her memory alive is a true gift to future generations.”
Garrity said the memorial’s location reflects Drazba’s service to military personnel.
“It’s fitting that Carol’s memorial stands outside a facility dedicated to caring for our veterans,” Garrity said.
During the event, Garrity also highlighted the state Treasury’s efforts to return unclaimed military decorations to veterans and their families.
“These medals represent courage, sacrifice, and service to our country and are priceless pieces of family history,” Garrity said.
The Treasury Department said it has returned 548 military decorations since Garrity took office, including 13 Purple Hearts, three Bronze Stars, and one Gold Star Medal.
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