05/07/2026
Honoring
Elaine A. Roe Pieper
U.S. Army Nurse Corps
WWII
Elaine A. Pieper ( Roe) was born and raised in Wisconsin and decided to make Rockford her home and took position as a staff nurse at Rockford Memorial Hospital in 1945. In late 1945 she met Mount Morris farmer Morris Pieper. They married and spent their lives on a farm in Ogle County.
Elaine and her fellow nurses serving at the time- Mary Roberts, Rita Rourke, and Ellen Ainsworth were the first women to be given this award.
Her award citation reads
The President of the United States of America, authorized by the Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Elaine A. Roe, United States Army Nurse Corps, for gallantry in action on February 10, 1944, near Anzio, Italy. During a concentrated shelling of the 33rd Field Hospital by heavy caliber enemy artillery the entire hospital area was sprayed with shell fragments which killed two nurses and wounded other military personnel. Electric wires were cut and lights extinguished. Working with flashlights, Lieutenant Elaine Roe and Lieutenant Rita Rourke immediately began the orderly evacuation of forty-two patients while quieting others who had become alarmed and were attempting to leave their beds. Throughout the shelling, which included enemy air bursts, they exhibited remarkable coolness and courage and carried on with complete disregard for their own safety. The quick thinking, competence under unnerving conditions and the loyal consideration of Lieutenant Roe and Lieutenant Rourke for the welfare of their patients, prevented confusion which might have been critical, and were an inspiration to the enlisted men working under their supervision. Their actions reflected the finest traditions of the United States Army and the Army Nurse Corps.
Awards
Silver Star
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
World War II Victory Medal
Elaine is honored at the Byron Museum of History with her uniform on display and her wonderful story for many to learn and read about.
Information and photo credit Byron Museum of History, Wikipedia, and Find a Grave.
Added by Josie Woodworth
