The history books often focus on battles and strategic maneuvers, but behind every conflict are countless untold stories of courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication. Today, we want to shine a light on one such hero: Ginny Deardorff Dornheggen, a US Army 1st Lt. and a nurse who served on the front lines of the Vietnam War. Her experience, like so many other women in service, is a testament to the profound impact of those who cared for the wounded amidst chaos.
Born into a military family in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Ginny’s path to service began during her nursing studies. Listening to news broadcasts of the burgeoning war, a conversation with a fellow student sparked a profound realization: her skills could make a difference. This led her to the Army student nurse program, setting the stage for a remarkable journey.
After basic training and a stint at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Ginny received orders that would change her life forever: Quy Nhon, Vietnam, in 1970. She joined the 67th Evacuation Hospital, a critical hub where injured soldiers arrived directly from the battlefield, their lives often hanging by a thread.
“I thought I was going to die that day!”
Ginny’s account of a harrowing day in January 1971 vividly illustrates the constant danger faced by those in her unit. “I thought I was going to die that day!” she recounted, describing the sheer terror of a Viet Cong attack. Over 5,000 tons of ammunition exploded just a mile from the hospital, unleashing a deafening roar and a shockwave that tore through the facility. Doors ripped from hinges, windows shattered – pandemonium reigned.
In that terrifying moment, Ginny’s training and dedication kicked in. “I grabbed my flak jacket and sprinted to the Intensive Care Unit,” she recalled. The question of whether the enemy was inside their perimeter became secondary to her overriding mission: “Protect the soldiers in my care. They came first, no matter what.” This extraordinary commitment defined her time in Vietnam, where her unit went to exceptional lengths to safeguard their patients amidst the relentless attacks.
The immense stress of the surgical intensive care unit eventually led Ginny to request reassignment for her final four months, moving to the orthopedic and then the emergency units – a testament to the overwhelming emotional and psychological toll of war.
Returning Home and Healing Wounds
Upon returning to the United States, Ginny, like many veterans, carried the unseen wounds of war. She found solace and poignant reflection at the Vietnam Memorial Wall, visiting it numerous times. Her words capture the profound grief and realization: “Here, there were names and names with no graves. Knowing that I cared for so many men that did not get home was a realization that hit me hard.”
Ginny continued her nursing career in the civilian world, dedicating 18 years to critical care and 12 years to home-health nursing. She also shared her powerful experiences with high school students, ensuring that the lessons and sacrifices of the Vietnam War would not be forgotten.
Ginny Dornheggen’s story is more than just a personal narrative; it’s a vital piece of history that highlights the bravery and sacrifice of the women who served in Vietnam. Her unwavering commitment to her patients, even in the face of extreme danger, is an inspiration to us all.
Want to read more gripping stories of female heroism? Ginny’s full account, along with over twenty other harrowing stories of women who served and fought in war, can be found in the book, “Women in War” by David Yuzuk, available now on Amazon as a Paperback and eBook!
