The Angel of Bastogne-Renee Bernadette Emilie Lemaire 4/10/1914 (Bastogne)-12/24/1944 (Bastogne) Renee had evacuated 6 wounded soldiers from the hospital (pictured here) that had been hit by German bombs and was attempting to bring out a 7th when she and that soldier were killed. Her partial body was wrapped in a parachute by Dr. Jack Prior and given to her parents. She was 30 years old. 1 January 1945 Commendation for Renee Bernadette Emilie Lemaire (deceased) To: Commanding General 10th Armored Division APO 260, US Army (Attn: Division Surgeon) Thru Channels: As Battalion Surgeon, 20th Armored Infantry Battalion, I am commending a commendation for Renee Lemaire on the following evidence: This girl, a registered nurse in the country of Belgium, volunteered her services at the aid station, 20th Armored Infantry Battalion in Bastogne, Belgium, 21 December, 1944. At this time the station was holding about 150 patients since the city was encircled by enemy forces and evacuation was impossible. Many of these patients were seriously injured and in great need of immediate nursing attention. This girl cheerfully accepted the herculean task and worked without adequate rest or food until the night of her untimely death on 24 December, 1944. She changed dressings, fed patients unable to feed themselves, gave out medications, bathed and made the patients more comfortable, and was of great assistance in the administration of plasma and other professional duties. Her very presence among those wounded men seemed to be an inspiration to those whose morale had declined from prolonged suffering. On the night of December 24 the building in which Renee Lemaire was working was scored with a direct hit by an enemy bomber. She, together with those whom she was caring for so diligently, were instantly killed. It is on these grounds that I recommend the highest award possible to one, who though not a member of the armed forces of the United States, was of invaluable assistance to us. Jack T. Prior Captain, M.C. Commanding “The Night Before Christmas - Bastogne, 1944” by Dr. Jack Prior
Posted on: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 13:55:56 +0000
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