Nancy Leftenant-Colon, a trailblazer in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps, passed away at the age of 104 on January 8 in Amityville, New York. She holds the distinction of being the first Black woman to serve in the Army Nurse Corps after its desegregation following World War II. Throughout her life, she worked tirelessly for equality, both in the military and beyond, leaving a legacy of dedication, service, and strength.
A Legacy of Service: Her Journey into the U.S. Army Nurse Corps
Nancy Leftenant-Colon’s remarkable journey began in the 1920s in Goose Creek, South Carolina. She was born into a large family as one of 12 children to James, a son of a freed slave, and Eunice Leftenant. Despite their humble beginnings and limited formal education, her parents instilled in her the values of hard work, education, and service. This foundation guided Nancy throughout her life.
After completing high school in Amityville, New York, in 1939, Leftenant-Colon followed her dream of becoming a nurse. She attended the Lincoln School for Nurses in the Bronx, the first institution in the country to train Black women as nurses. Her determination led her to work at a local hospital before she joined the U.S. Army Nurse Corps in January 1945, at a time when racial segregation still limited opportunities for Black service members.
Breaking New Ground in the Army Nurse Corps
In 1945, Leftenant-Colon was assigned to Lowell Hospital in Massachusetts, where she cared for soldiers wounded during the war. However, her most impactful work came in 1946 when she was sent to the 332nd Station Medical Group at Lockbourne Army Air Base in Ohio. There, she worked with flight surgeon and Tuskegee Airman, Vance H. Marchbanks Jr., to deliver a premature baby girl. The baby, weighing just three pounds and suffering from a Vitamin K deficiency, was not expected to survive. Local hospitals, which only served white patients, had refused the Black mother, leaving Nancy and Marchbanks to save the child’s life on their own.
Reflecting on the experience, Leftenant-Colon said in a 2023 interview, “I don’t know how I did it, but I did it. I had to help save that baby’s life. It had such an effect on me.” Her compassion and quick thinking made a life-changing difference for that baby and for countless others throughout her career.
Military Milestones: From Nurse to Flight Nurse
In 1948, the U.S. military desegregated, and President Harry S. Truman signed an executive order allowing Black service members to fully integrate. This change gave Leftenant-Colon the opportunity to obtain regular status in the Army Nurse Corps, something she had been denied due to racial discrimination. She applied and was accepted, marking a significant moment in her career.
In 1952, after the deactivation of the 332nd Fighter Group, Leftenant-Colon transitioned to the U.S. Air Force as a flight nurse. She served with distinction until her retirement in 1965 with the rank of major. Her military career had a lasting impact on the advancement of racial equality within the armed forces.
A Commitment to Education and Public Service
After retiring from the military, Leftenant-Colon returned to Amityville, where she dedicated herself to education and public service. From 1971 to 1984, she served as the school nurse at her alma mater, Amityville Memorial High School. She became a respected figure in the community, known for her compassion and dedication to the health and well-being of young students.
Her leadership extended beyond healthcare as she became the first national female president of the Tuskegee Airmen Inc. in 1989, advocating for the legacy and recognition of the famed Tuskegee Airmen, including her brother, 2nd Lt. Samuel G. Leftenant, who lost his life in World War II.
Final Years and Lasting Legacy
Leftenant-Colon lived a full life and continued to reflect on the influence her parents had on her success. “My mother and father raised a hell of a family,” she remarked in an interview, acknowledging the values they passed on. Even after retiring, she remained active in various causes, particularly those focused on equality and education.
Nancy Leftenant-Colon passed away peacefully in January 2024, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire future generations of Black women in military and healthcare professions. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, compassion, and a lifelong commitment to service and equality.
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