Nurse Honored with Presidential Citizens Medal For Vietnam Women's Memorial

Image Source: legion.org/

In a moment of national recognition, Diane Carlson Evans, a Minnesota native and former Army nurse, received the prestigious Presidential Citizens Medal on January 2nd, according to MSN. 

The honor, one of the highest civilian awards in the United States, acknowledges her tireless work in creating the Vietnam Women’s Memorial, a landmark that pays tribute to the women who served during the Vietnam War. President Joe Biden bestowed the medal during a ceremony at the White House. Carlson Evans was unable to receive the medal herself, but past National Commander Denise Rohan accepted it on her behalf. 

Diane Carlson Evans, a registered nurse and Vietnam War veteran, served in combat zones as part of the Army Nurse Corps for 6 years. Her experiences caring for wounded soldiers deeply shaped her commitment to honoring the often-overlooked contributions of women in wartime service.

Evans received the Presidential Citizens Medal, which was established in 1969 to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the welfare, security, or national interest of the United States. Her work led to the creation of the Vietnam Women’s Memorial, which was dedicated on the National Mall in 1993.

The Vietnam Women’s Memorial stands as a poignant reminder of the nearly 10,000 women who served in Vietnam, the majority as nurses. Despite their sacrifices, these women were often excluded from narratives about the war. 

Evans co-founded the Vietnam Women’s Memorial Foundation in 1984, assembling a coalition of veterans, nurses, and supporters. Through public speaking, fundraising, and advocacy, she garnered widespread support for the memorial. The resulting bronze statue, sculpted by Glenna Goodacre, depicts three women and a wounded soldier, capturing the resilience and humanity of those who served.

Evans emphasized the importance of acknowledging all who serve: “I accept the PCM on behalf of, and for, my sister veterans who richly deserve this recognition, by the President of the United States, to the thousands of enlisted women, officers, and women of all military occupational specialties serving in the combat theater, and all around the world – all worthy of remembrance and honor for believing we could make a difference serving our country,” said Carlson Evans. Her story serves as a powerful inspiration to nurses everywhere, reminding them of their ability to advocate for meaningful change, both within and beyond their profession.