Margaret Utinsky

Margaret Utinsky

Margaret Utinsky (1900 – 1970) was an American nurse and member of the United States Army Nurse Corps who became a notable figure for her involvement in underground activities against the Japanese occupation in the Philippines during World War II. Her courageous efforts in aiding prisoners of war (POWs) and her significant role in the resistance movement earned her the Medal of Freedom, one of the highest civilian awards in the United States.

Early Life

Margaret Utinsky, born Margaret Swope in 1900, was originally from Illinois, United States. Little is known about her early life before she moved to the Philippines in the late 1920s after marrying John Utinsky, an engineer. The couple settled in Manila, where they raised their family.

World War II

The outbreak of World War II and the subsequent invasion of the Philippines by Japanese forces in December 1941 drastically changed Utinsky's life. After the fall of Bataan and Corregidor in early 1942, her husband was reported missing and was later presumed dead. Despite the personal loss and the dangers involved, Utinsky refused to evacuate to the United States and instead chose to stay in the Philippines.

Utinsky joined an underground resistance group known as the Miss U network, named after her. Under the guise of a Red Cross worker, she smuggled food, medicine, and messages to American POWs in camps such as Cabanatuan. Her activities also included gathering intelligence and assisting in the escape of prisoners and downed Allied airmen.

Capture and Imprisonment

Margaret Utinsky's covert activities eventually led to her capture by the Japanese military police, the Kempeitai, in 1944. She was subjected to torture and imprisonment for several months. Despite the harsh treatment, Utinsky never divulged information about her comrades or the resistance network. She was eventually released but continued to suffer from the physical and psychological scars of her imprisonment.

Post-War Recognition

After the liberation of the Philippines in 1945, Margaret Utinsky's contributions to the war effort were recognized. She was awarded the Medal of Freedom with a silver palm by the United States government for her exceptional bravery and service. Utinsky's memoir, "Miss U," published in 1948, detailed her experiences during the war and brought her story to a wider audience.

Later Life and Legacy

Margaret Utinsky returned to the United States after the war, where she lived until her death in 1970. Her legacy is remembered as a symbol of courage, resilience, and the significant role of women in wartime resistance movements. Utinsky's life and work have been an inspiration to many, highlighting the impact of individual actions in the face of adversity.

See Also

• Resistance during World War II
• Women in World War II
• History of the Philippines (1898–1946)