Annie Fox's biography is featured in "Their Full Measure" a digital exhibition by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.

Link to the exhibition: https://www.gilderlehrman.org/veterans-legacy-program/digital-exhibitions/world-war-ii/annie-fox 


On December 7, 1941, First Lieutenant Annie Fox was stationed at Hickam Field adjacent to the naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. She was the chief nurse and became the first woman to receive the Purple Heart in 1942 for “outstanding performance of duty” during the Japanese attacks on the naval base. Her “calmness, courage and leadership was of great benefit to the morale of all with whom she came in contact.” Initially reserved for bravery in action, today the Purple Heart is awarded to those injured or killed in combat. This criteria change was made during World War II, and in 1944 the Army rescinded her Purple Heart replacing it with the Bronze Star. Fox enlisted in the Army Nurse Corps in 1918 and retired from military service in 1945.

*Extracted from America's World War II Burial Program (NCA History Program, 2020), https://www.cem.va.gov/history/outreach.asp. 

1LT Fox receiving the Purple Heart later changed to a Bronze Star.

San Francisco National Cemetery

Golden Gate National Cemetery

Lt. Fox was the first female Purple Heart recipient for WWII, and well deserving of the award. However, Army Nurse Beatrice Mary MacDonald, is the first known woman to receive the award. She was wounded 17 August 1917, which resulted in the loss of her right eye. After the Purple Heart was established in 1932, she, like other WWI veterans could apply for the award. she did so and was awarded the Purple Heart 4 January, 1936. (She was also awarded the Distinguished Service Cross). Her story is viewable on the Roll of Honor at the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor: www.thepurpleheart.com 

First Lieutenant Annie Gayton Fox, a pioneering Army veteran and the first woman to receive the Purple Heart and Bronze Star, will forever be remembered by many for her accomplishments, selflessness, and heroism through her service in the Attack on Pearl Harbor. Fox was born on August 4, 1893, in Pubnico, Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia. She was a chief nurse stationed at Hickam Field, where the Attack on Pearl Harbor occurred. The Attack on Pearl Harbor was what led to the United States’ entry into World War II, commencing at 7:48 am, it resulted in the devastating loss of more than 2,400 deaths, with an additional 1,178 wounded soldiers.  During the attack, Fox was responsible for administering anesthesia, dressing wounds, and teaching others to do their jobs, but what truly made her stand out among others was her calm yet efficient style of work in this intense and devastating attack. 
On October 26, 1942, Fox was noticed for “her outstanding performance of duty and meritorious acts of extraordinary essential service,” being awarded the Purple Heart award and becoming the first woman to receive this prestigious award.   However, as the requirements changed, Fox was also the first woman to have the Purple Heart revoked. The War Department board met and reviewed the changed criteria which stated that only those killed or wounded in battle qualified for this award, they decided that she no longer met the criteria. Instead, on October 26, 1944, they recommended that she receive a Bronze Star for her loyalty and devotion to duty that reflected great credit upon herself and the military service.  Fox broke down and forever changed the stigma surrounding not only the Purple Heart as it used to be only awarded to men, but First Lieutenant Annie Gayton Fox changed the face of this as well as the Bronze Star award when given it for her sacrificial and courageous service. Annie Gayton Fox's dedication to the U.S. Army can be seen through her service and her recognition of her undying commitment including times when she kept her composure under pressure and taught other nurses below her. Her legacy and service will live on. 

ANNIE GAYTON FOX

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