by Dan Perkins
based on a
U.S. Newswire Release
This
year marks the 60th anniversary of decisive
battles in World War II, and America is
remembering the service and sacrifice of its
greatest generation in a variety of ways.
This Memorial Weekend, the new World War II
Memorial was officially dedicated in Washington,
DC. In France, on the shores of Normandy,
leaders from many nations gathered to pay their
respect to those who served and those who fell
in that historic and bloody battle. But
there are many smaller tributes that have not
garnered the attention of the media, but are no
less deserving of recognition.
One such
celebration was recently hosted by United
Airlines. The celebration acknowledged the
outstanding service of Captain Lillian
Kinkela Keill who bravely serviced her
country and also worked for many years as a
flight attendant with United.
Capt. Keil began her career as a
student nurse in San Francisco. Shortly
thereafter, she became a flight attendant for
United Airlines. When America entered the
second world war, Keil joined the Army Air
Corps as a flight nurse. That position
allowed her to combine her two loves - flying
and caring for people.
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Former United Airlines flight
attendant and war hero Captain
Lillian Kinkela Keil with her
medals, Wednesday, May 26, 2004,
at Dulles International Airport,
where she was honored for
commitment to United and
lifelong service to her country.
Keil is among the most decorated
women in U.S. military history.
She also participated in
ceremonies marking the unveiling
of the National World War II
Veterans Memorial.
(Photo: Robin Weiner/U.S.
Newswire) |
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During World War
II, Keill flew 250 air evacuation missions and
25 transatlantic flights, many times flying in
extraordinarily dangerous conditions. She
even flew to Normandy during the D-Day invasions
where she helped evacuate wounded soldiers from
the front lines. She was also part of a team
that supplied General Patton's army with a cargo
of crucial supplies like gasoline, ammunition
and weapons as that army made its historic trek
across France. Keill courageous service made her
the most decorated U.S. military woman of World
War II. But perhaps more important than
any medals, Lillian earned the love and respect
of countless service men whom came under her
care.
After the war,
Keil returned to her previous job as a flight
attendant for United Airlines.
Keil returned to
active duty in 1950 when war in Korean erupted.
She was one of only 30 flight nurses, and
clocked another 175 missions. She flew with the
First Marine Air Wing and the Kyushi
Gypsies to the Chosin Reservoir.
There, she tended to Marines who had been
trapped in bitter winter conditions. Many
of the Marines were severely wounded, cold and
horribly frostbitten by the time help arrived.
She recalls that some of the men only had
blackened bone stubs for fingers and toes.
Today, Keil
resides just outside of Los Angeles, and is
mother to two daughters and a grandmother of
four children.
She is a
remarkable patriot, and a role model for
countless Americans - both men and women.
The End
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