Career
She served as the chief nurse in the Army Nurse Corps at Hickam Field during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, on December 7, 1941. At that time the awarding of the Purple Heart did not require the service person to be injured. The requirements were changed after the attack of Pearl Harbor and LT Fox was awarded the Bronze Star because Fox was not wounded in the attack.
First Lieutenant Fox was on duty at the time of the attack of the Japanese Imperial Navy on Hawaii.
Because of that, it is often misreported that she was injured during the attack. In fact, she was not.
Colonel William Boyd, Post Commander read the citation which was commanded by Brigadier General West.E. Farthing and signed by Colonel L.P. Turner, Air Corps Executive Officer. The Purple Heart was awarded for “outstanding performance of duty and meritorious acts of extraordinary fidelity.
. During the attack, Lieutenant Fox, in an exemplary manner, performed her duties as head Nurse of the Station Hospital. in addition she administered anesthesia to patients during the heaviest part of the bombardment, assisted in dressing the wounded, taught civilian volunteer nurses to make dressings, and worked ceaselessly with coolness and efficiency, and her fine example of calmness, courage and leadership was of great benefit to the morale of all with whom she came in contact..” Bronze Star The Purple Heart was originally established by General George Washington in 1782. lieutenant was re-instituted in 1932 for the bicentennial of Washington"s birth.
At that time, individuals were given other awards to replace the Purple Heart.
The Report of Decorations Board cited the same acts of heroism as those cited for the Purple Heart. The last paragraph of the report reads:. Since Lieutenant Fox was not wounded in action.
Cancellation of the award of the Purple Heart is also recommended.” The recommendation of the board was approved.
Colonel William Boyd, Post Commander read the citation which was commanded by Brigadier General West.E. Farthing and signed by Colonel L.P. Turner, Air Corps Executive Officer.