Phyllis Mae Dailey

First African American Navy Nurse Corps Officer ENS Phyllis Mae Dailey in 1945

Phyllis Mae Dailey was a pioneering figure in the history of the United States Navy, known for being the first African-American woman to serve in the Navy Nurse Corps. Her induction into the corps in March 1945 marked a significant milestone in the desegregation of the U.S. military forces and paved the way for future generations of African-American women in the military.

Early Life and Education

Phyllis Mae Dailey was born on a date and in a place that remains part of her private legacy. What is well-documented, however, is her pursuit of education and her commitment to nursing. Dailey graduated from the Lincoln Hospital School of Nursing in New York, a significant achievement that set the stage for her groundbreaking career in the military.

Military Career

During World War II, the demand for medical professionals in the military increased significantly. Despite the barriers of racial discrimination, Dailey sought to contribute her skills to the war effort. Her application to the Navy Nurse Corps was initially met with resistance due to the color of her skin. However, the Navy began to accept African-American women into its Nurse Corps in 1945, in response to the pressing need for nurses and the efforts of civil rights advocates.

Dailey's induction into the Navy Nurse Corps on March 8, 1945, was a historic event. She was the first African-American woman to be accepted, following the signing of the executive order by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1941, which prohibited racial discrimination in the national defense industry. This was a precursor to the eventual desegregation of the military in 1948 by President Harry S. Truman's executive order.

Legacy and Impact

Phyllis Mae Dailey's service in the Navy Nurse Corps broke racial barriers and opened doors for many who would follow in her footsteps. Her courage and determination in the face of discrimination highlighted the contributions African-American women could and would continue to make in the military. Dailey's legacy is not only a testament to her personal achievements but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and inclusion within the military and other sectors of society.

Later Life

Details about Dailey's life after her service in the Navy Nurse Corps are scarce, reflecting the private nature of her post-military life. However, her impact on the Navy and its policies regarding racial integration and the inclusion of women is well-documented and celebrated.

See Also

• United States Navy Nurse Corps
• African Americans in the United States military
• Women in the military