Julia Helen Nashanany Reeves was born July 1, 1919, in Crandon, Wisconsin, and was a member of the Potawatomie Tribe. She went to nursing school in Philadelphia and joined the Army Nurse Corps as a 2LT in 1942.

Reeves was assigned to the 53rd Evacuation Hospital, one of the first hospitals to be activated when America entered World War II. She and her fellow doctors and nurses in the 53rd deployed to the island of New Caledonia, east of Australia. They wound up treating 6,000 patients in the first six months she was there.

In 1943, Reeves was transferred to the European Theater where she served with the 23rd Station Hospital in England. She served as a nurse throughout the war, and also served with the 804th Station Hospital during the Korean War. The Potawatomie Tribe later awarded her an eagle feather for her service to the U.S., marking her as an honored warrior.

Reeves left active duty as a 1STLT following the Korean War and married an Army officer, eventually having four children. Her husband, Joseph Reeves, remained on active duty until 1973.

Julia Reeves died on May 9, 1998 

First Lieutenant Julia (Nashanany) Reeves, a member of the Potawatomie Indian Tribe of Crandon, Wisconsin, joined the Army Nurse Corps in 1942, and was assigned to one of the first medical units shipped to the Pacific. The 52nd Evacuation Hospital Unit was sent to New Caledonia before its members had received their Army uniforms. When the Hospital Ship Solace arrived at New Caledonia, Julia was assigned temporary duty aboard the ship. The following year, Julia was transferred to the 23rd Station Hospital in Norwich, England, where she was stationed during the invasion of Normandy. She remained in Norwich through V-J Day, returning shortly afterward to the United States. During the Korean War, Julia mobilized with the 804th Station Hospital.  From left to right in the photo: J. Rybak & Julia Nashanany Reeves

Photo of Lt.Reeves and other soldiers holding a Japanese flag, New Caledonia 1942.

National Memorial Cemetery at Quantico

Women and minority veterans serve proudly in all fields. Julia honored this country with her valiant service. As a country (and as a fellow woman vet),  we need to continue thanking her for all she did to aid our fellow service men and women. "Veteran" is not a term to be taken lightly nor to be applied to men only. Each one of us authorized a blank check to this country for the amount "up to and including our lives". Honor Julia with at least a thought and say "thank you."  Julia, we did not serve together but thank you for your service.

Thank you for your remarkable service. So much respect for you.

Thank you, Julia, for setting the finest example for all military nurses who followed in your footsteps. 

Thank you Lt. Reeves for your service and dedication to our country. Continued rest in peace ma'am. 

such devoted service to our country, rest in peace , your life was extraordinary 

Thank you for your service Ma'am.  May you rest in peace with God's eternal glory.

Mrs Reeves, from the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina THANK YOU for your service!

Thank you, Julia, for your many years of service to our nation in the Army Nurse Corps during WWII and Korea, and later as a military wife. 

JULIA NASHANANY REEVES

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