Valley Rewind: Gray Ladies, 1940s

This early 1940s photograph features 32 “Gray Ladies” in their nursing uniforms. Founded in 1918, the Gray Ladies were a volunteer service of the American Red Cross. Their name was derived from their signature light gray uniforms they wore as they worked in hospitals, health-care facilities, and private homes. During World War II, the Gray Ladies worked at Moore General Hospital to assist the wounded soldiers during their stay. While the Gray Ladies most commonly provided non-medical services such as reading to patients, distributing supplies and gifts, helping patients write letters, and helping patients to get in touch with relatives, their work was essential for both the health and morale of the patients. The Gray Ladies continued to serve in various health care facilities until the mid-1960’s when the Red Cross changed to a unified concept of volunteers.