World War II Army nurse veteran celebrates her 105th birthday

On Dec. 20, World War II Army nurse veteran Regina Benson celebrated her 105th birthday, according to a Friends of the National World War II Memorial press release.

Born on Dec. 20, 1919 in Philadelphia to Italian immigrant parents, Regina was one of nine children and a twin.

Inspired by a sense of patriotic duty, Benson served as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps in Hawaii, Okinawa and Japan from September 1944 to 1946. She provided critical medical care to wounded soldiers during the war and set up hospitals, supervised wards of medical, surgical, and orthopedic patients and assisted in life-saving operations.

Her courage and dedication earned her numerous accolades, including the American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal, and the Armed Services YMCA Angel of the Battlefield Award.

For Benson, the most meaningful part of her Army nursing career was offering comfort to dying soldiers, ensuring they were not alone in their final moments.

Army 2nd Lt. Regina Benson, a member of the Army Nurse Corps during World War II, poses for a photo, 1944. (Joint Chiefs of Staff)

While stationed in Hawaii, Benson met her husband, William Benson, a supply officer and company commander. After their service, they married and began a life together, raising three children — two sons and one daughter. They have five grandchildren, including one by marriage. William continued his military service in the reserves, retiring as a lieutenant colonel, while Regina transitioned to civilian nursing.

As a civilian surgical nurse, Regina worked in hospital operating rooms and later on the urology ward, dedicating decades to patient care before retiring in her 60s. Regina was also involved in her community, volunteering for charities and her church.

Benson’s life is filled with love, service to country and devotion to community. She continues to inspire those who know her story.

Wish Benson a happy birthday by signing her birthday card on the Friends of the National World War II Memorial’s website.