Lillian Keil, decorated flight nurse in two wars; movie made of her experiances
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Lillian Keil, decorated flight nurse in two wars, dead at 88
Associated Press
COVINA, Calif. - Lillian Keil, a decorated flight nurse who helped
evacuate thousands of wounded U.S. troops from the battlefields of
World War II and the Korean War, has died. She was 88.
Keil died of cancer Thursday at a convalescent home in Covina, said her
daughter, Lillianne Wittman.
Keil flew on more than 425 missions during the wars, rescuing men who
fought in the Battle of the Bulge, on the beaches of Normandy, and in
the Inchon invasion. She loaded troops onto C-47s and other transporter
planes, then treated them en route to hospitals in safety zones.
"They were her boys. And she needed to help her boys," Wittman said.
A member of the Army Air Corps, which later became the U.S. Air Force,
she rose to rank of major and earned scores of awards, including four
Air Medals, two Presidential Unit Citations, an American Defense Medal,
an American Campaign Medal and a World War II Victory Medal.
In 1954, a Hollywood movie, "Flight Nurse," starring Joan Leslie and
Forrest Tucker, was based on Keil's war experiences. Last year, she was
the honorary grand marshal of the National World War II Memorial
Dedication parade in Washington, D.C.
After being honorably discharged due to pregnancy in 1955, she moved
with her husband, Walter, to the Los Angeles suburb of Covina and
started her second career as a mom. She continued working as a nurse in
emergency rooms and hospitals.
"She was an absolutely a wonderful heroic woman. She was my role model,
but as a mother," Wittman said.
Born in Arcata in Northern California, she studied to be a nurse before
becoming an airline stewardess, joining the military in 1943.
She is survived by daughters Lillianne, of Big Bear, and Adrianne
Whitmore, of Chino Hills, four grandchildren and two great
grandchildren. Her husband died in 1980.
A funeral with full military honors was scheduled for July 8 at
Riverside National Cemetery.
Hoodoo
'A woman of achievement'
Lillian Keil eulogized for her inspiration, service to country
Family, friends and veterans on Friday commemorated and
celebrated the life of Lillian Kinkela Keil, the most decorated
woman in U.S. military history.
A flight nurse in World War II and the Korean War, Keil evacuated
wounded soldiers from the battlefield in 425 missions, and she
never lost a patient.
Keil, 88, died of cancer June 30.
"She was certainly a woman of achievement,' George Ogden said to
about 150 people during a eulogy at Sacred Heart Catholic Church
in Covina.
Ogden, a journalist, listed many of her achievements, including
25 transatlantic flights and congressional recognition from Rep.
Hilda Solis, D-El Monte.
In all, she received 12 medals, four citations and 11 battle stars.
Granddaughter Emily Whitmore said Keil was a wonderful and sweet
woman.
"She is a role model for everyone who wanted to be a stewardess
or a flight nurse. She was an inspiration for everyone,' Whitmore
said.
Son-in-law Robert S. Whitmore III said that like many in the
greatest generation, Keil didn't talk much about her military
experiences but would answer questions when asked. When she did
share, she spoke matter-of-factly, he said, because she believed
she was just doing her job.
Dozens of flowers and photos decorated the lobby of the church.
Black-and-white photos showed Keil in uniform and color photos
provided a glimpse of some of the medals she received.
Among her many honors were four Air Medals, two Presidential Unit
Citations, an American Defense Medal, an American Campaign Medal
and a World War II Victory Medal.
Several members of the West Covina VFW Post 8620, who attended
the Mass, said Keil was a good friend with a beautiful smile.
"That lady was so down-to-earth that you would never know what
she did,' said Manny Saca, a former commander of VFW. "She was so
humble. She loves the unfortunate so much.'
Later in the afternoon, Keil received a burial service with full
military honors, including a gun salute and flyby of three T-34
airplanes at Riverside National Cemetery.
As six members of the Air Force carried her body, a trumpeter
played taps and veterans stood in salute.
Sheryl Schmidt, deputy secretary of the California Department of
Veterans Affairs, brought letters from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger
and VA Secretary Tom Johnson offering their condolences.
"There is no higher calling than to defend one's country and
freedom,' Schwarzenegger's letter said. "Her fidelity to this
great nation earned her the respect and admiration from her
countrymen as well as many honors.'
Schwarzenegger called Keil a "trailblazer' for women in the armed
forces.
"When women from World War II and Korea and subsequently the
Vietnam War rendered such outstanding service and dedication ...
it opened up the pathway for us to follow,' said Schmidt, who
served in the Air Force.
John Hauser, a history teacher at Royal Oak Intermediate in
Covina, said he invited Keil to speak to his U.S. history class a
few months ago. Students said her visit was one of the highlights
of the year.
Keil touched one boy in particular, Hauser said. The student's
grandfather fought in World War II and was airlifted out of
Normandy. Keil might have saved his life.
"I might not be here if it wasn't for Lillian,' the student told
Hauser.
Keil is survived by her daughters, Adrianne Whitmore of Chino
Hills and Lillianne Wittman of Big Bear; four grandchildren; and
two great grandchildren. Her husband, Walter, preceded her in
death in 1980.
--
It's a big old goofy world. - John Prine