Patricia "Pat" Prellwitz
U.S. Army, 1961 – 1969
Pat Prellwitz is a U.S. Army Nurse Corps veteran who entered service in January 1961 after growing up in rural Wisconsin near Fond du Lac and completing nursing training through the Army’s student nurse pathway. In her interview, she recalls early training at Medical Field Service School in San Antonio and the cultural shock of encountering segregation off post. Prellwitz served in stateside and overseas assignments, including Brooke General Hospital and a tour in Okinawa, with temporary duty in Thailand. She completed military nurse anesthesia school in the mid-1960s and later deployed to Vietnam, where she supported nonstop surgical operations, including during the Tet Offensive surge. After returning home, she served at Fort Bliss in El Paso and separated from the Army in 1969, continuing her anesthesia career in a civilian group practice in Illinois. Beyond clinical work, Prellwitz became a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and held significant leadership roles in Michigan, including post commander and district commander, earning "All American Status." She moved to Florida in 2010 and remains active in women-veteran support efforts, including Tri-County Women Veterans and its horse committee. She emphasizes independence, persistence, and finding purpose in service and in leadership.
Full Interview
Interview Summary
Access the complete transcript here
Introduction (0:44 – 1:23)
Growing up in Wisconsin and choosing nursing (1:23 – 3:38)
Joining the Army Nurse Corps (3:38 – 6:44)
Early Assignments: Brook General Hospital, Okinawa, and Thailand (6:44 – 8:41)
Vietnam: The OR, nonstop shifts, and the Tet Offensive (8:41 – 20:24)
Homecoming, El Paso, and civilian anesthesia work (20:24 – 28:05)
Veterans’ organizations and leadership (28:05 – 38:50)
Closing reflections and advice for young people (38:50 – 41:27)
