Margaret Harper
Colonel Margaret Harper was the 11th chief of the United States Army Nurse Corps. She graduated from Evanston General Hospital School of Nursing. She subsequently served as superintendent of nurses at Chicago Memorial Hospital and Murry Hospital. After World War II, Harper attended Teachers' College, Columbia University, and earned a bachelor of science degree in nursing education. She received her master's degree in nursing service administration in 1953. received her commission in April 1941 becoming a colonel. Her overseas assignments included service in Australia and New Guinea, and Europe.
On September 1, 1959, Harper became the 11th Army Nurse Corps Chief and she served until August 31, 1963. Under her tenure, the ANC began an intensive recruiting program in 1963 in light of the anticipated build up in Southeast Asia and other military operations, Operation Nightingale, to meet a serious nursing shortage. She received the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal and the Army Commendation Medal among her awards and honors.
