Captain Lillian Kinkela Keil (November 17, 1916 – June 30, 2005) was one of the most decorated women veterans of World War II and the Korean War, known for her extraordinary service as a flight nurse in both conflicts.
Lillian Kinkela Keil was born in Arcata, California. Raised by a single mother in a convent, she was inspired by the nuns who tended to the sick. After graduating from high school, she continued her education and became a registered nurse. In 1939, she started her career in flight by becoming one of the first stewardesses for United Airlines. During this time, she became familiar with air evacuation, a skill that would soon lead her to a distinguished military career.
In 1943, Keil left her job as a stewardess and joined the Army Air Forces as a flight nurse. Her dedication to serving wounded soldiers was unparalleled, and she quickly became known for her bravery under fire. During World War II, she flew 250 air evacuation missions, transporting and treating injured soldiers directly from the battlefields of Europe.
Keil’s service did not end after World War II. When the Korean War broke out in 1950, she re-enlisted, this time in the U.S. Air Force, and completed another 175 missions, bringing her total to over 425 combat missions across both wars. Her work required not just medical skill, but immense courage, as she risked her life repeatedly to ensure soldiers received the care they needed while in the air. Over her military career, it is estimated that she treated 10,000 wounded service members.
Keil’s bravery and service earned her 19 medals, including 4 Air Medals, 2 Presidential Unit Citations, and 4 battle stars to name a few.
Her life and service became the inspiration for the 1953 film Flight Nurse, where actor Joan Leslie portrayed a character based on Keil. In 1955, she was honorably discharged and went on to start a family and continue her career in civilian healthcare. She remained active in veterans’ organizations and was celebrated for her contributions to both the military and healthcare fields until her death in 2005 at the age of 88.
Captain Lillian Kinkela Keil holds the distinction of being one of the most decorated women in U.S. military history for her wartime service.
References
One of the Most Decorated Women in WWII | AMERICAN EXPERIENCE | PBS | Watch (msn.com)
Lillian Kinkella Keil – Wikipedia
Wearing Medals and Bearing Memories – Los Angeles Times (latimes.com)
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