Journey of Valor: From Cobb County to Vietnam’s Front Lines
Donna Rowe, a Cobb County resident now living in Kennesaw, Georgia, looks back on her pivotal year as a triage nurse during the Vietnam War. Starting her service 55 years ago, she became the chief nurse in triage at one of the busiest hospitals in Vietnam, dealing with the critical task of making life-or-death decisions daily. Her experiences there, captured in the pages of her carefully preserved Vietnam scrapbooks, still resonate deeply, reflecting on a time when courage and care intersected under the harsh realities of war.
Critical Care in the Midst of Conflict
At just 23 years old, Rowe was thrust into the chaos of war, serving at the 3rd Field Hospital in Saigon. Surrounded by young nurses, many of whom were fresh out of nursing school, Rowe was affectionately known as ‘the Old Captain’ despite her youth. Her role was demanding—managing the emergency triage section where soldiers with severe injuries were brought in continuously, often in large numbers. The backdrop of her daily life was the relentless arrival of helicopters, each one bringing a new wave of urgent challenges that tested her skills and resilience.
Legacy of a War-Time Nurse
Working under an awning in the sweltering heat of Saigon, Rowe and her team were the first line of defense in the battle to save lives. Clad in her nursing whites, she became a beacon of hope in a tumultuous sea of fatigues and military scrubs. Her leadership was crucial, especially in extreme cases like the day a pilot landed with a critically injured soldier, desperately seeking medical intervention. Through teamwork and tenacity, they managed to save the soldier, a success story that was one among many during her tenure. Rowe’s year in Vietnam was marked by zero losses under her triage care, a testament to her dedication and the effectiveness of her team.
Reflecting on Service and Sacrifice
Reflecting on her time in Vietnam, Rowe acknowledges the profound impact it had on her life and outlook. The intensity of her experiences there shaped her not just professionally, but personally, deepening her appreciation for life and resilience. Her story is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by medical professionals in war zones and the enduring spirit of those who serve. As Rowe revisits memories of her service, she not only recalls the hardships but also the moments of triumph and the unbreakable human spirit that pervaded even the darkest days.