Sharon Ann Lane (July 7, 1943 – June 8, 1969) was a United States Army nurse and the only American servicewoman killed as a direct result of enemy fire in the Vietnam War. The Army posthumously awarded Lane the Bronze Star Medal for heroism on June 8, 1969.
Biography
Sharon Ann Lane's graduation photo from the Aultman Hospital School of Nursing
Sharon Ann Lane was born in Zanesville, Ohio, the daughter of John and Mary "Kay" Lane. When she was two, the family moved to North Industry, Ohio.[1] In June 1961, she graduated from Canton South High School in Canton, Ohio. In September, Lane entered the Aultman Hospital School of Nursing in Canton and graduated from there in 1965.[2] She worked at the Aultman Hospital until May 1967, and then attended Canton Business College.
Grave site of Sharon Ann Lane located in Sunset Hills Burial Park in Canton Ohio.
Lane's tour in South Vietnam began on April 24, 1969.[2] On April 29, she reported for duty at the Army's 312th Evacuation Hospital in Chu Lai where she was assigned as a general duty staff nurse to the Intensive Care and Vietnamese wards.[2] On June 8, Chu Lai was hit by an enemy rocket attack and Lieutenant Lane was killed by a 122mm rocket[5][6] that struck between two quonset huts of Vietnamese civilians, soldiers, and POWs,[7] that formed the Vietnamese ward (Ward 4) where Lane last served.[2][4] A Vietnamese child was also killed.[4] The 312th Evacuation Hospital received an Army Meritorious Unit Commendation for the period October 1, 1968 to May 31, 1969.
A military funeral and burial was held for Lane on June 14, 1969, at Sunset Hills Burial Park in Canton, Ohio.[2]
Of the roughly 11,000 American women who were stationed in Vietnam, eight servicewomen (all nurses) died during the war. Among these, Lane was the only one killed by hostile fire.[8][9]
First Lieutenant Lane was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal with "V" device for her actions on June 8, 1969.[2]
General Orders No. 598
4 July 1969
Citation:
For heroism in connection with military operation against a hostile force. Lieutenant Lane distinguished herself by exceptional valorous actions during a rocket attack on the 312th Evacuation Hospital. Since her arrival at the hospital, her untiring efforts as a general duty staff nurse have made her ward a particularly outstanding one. It was through the application of rare foresight and sound principles of management that Lieutenant Lane overcame and minimized the problems inherent in providing medical support in a combat environment. As the sounds of the first incoming rockets reported throughout the hospital, Lieutenant Lane, thinking only of the welfare of her patients, rushed to her ward in an effort to protect her charges from harm. At this time, the ward took a direct hit from an enemy 122mm rocket. The resultant explosion produced metal fragments that stuck Lieutenant Lane, taking her life. As a result of Lieutenant Lane's courageous actions in the face of adversity, total disaster to the ward was prevented and many lives were saved. Lieutenant Lane's personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon herself, her unit and the United States Army.[2]
Legacy
U.S. Army press release on the death of Sharon Ann Lane
The landscape surrounding the Vietnam Women's Memorial includes eight yellowwood trees that represent the eight American servicewomen who died during the Vietnam War - Lane, Carol Ann Drazba, Eleanor Grace Alexander, Pamela Dorothy Donovan, Annie Ruth Graham, Elizabeth Ann Jones, Mary Therese Klinker, and Hedwig Diane Orlowski.[11][12][13] The only servicewoman killed in action was Lane; the rest died of accidents and illness.[14][15]
In 1970, Lane was posthumously presented the Dr. Anita Newcomb McGee Award by the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution.[2][17]
In 1973, a life-size bronze statue of Lane was dedicated at Aultman Hospital School of Nursing's courtyard (moved later to the building's entrance) in Canton, Ohio.[18]
In 1986, the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 199 in Canton, Ohio, was named the Sharon Lane Memorial Chapter.
In 1995, the volunteer center at Fort Hood, Texas, was named the Sharon Lane Volunteer Center.[2]
In 2001, the medical library in Evans Army Community Hospital at Fort Carson, Colorado, was named the Sharon A. Lane Medical Library.[2]
In 2002, a medical clinic built by the Sharon Ann Lane Foundation in Chu Lai (Tam Hiep Commune), Vietnam, was dedicated the Sharon Ann Lane Clinic.[18][19][20]
In 2003, Lane was inducted into the Ohio Military Hall of Fame in Columbus, Ohio (the hall of fame's exhibit is at Mott's Military Museum in Groveport, Ohio).[18]
Memorial located on the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. Photographed March 18, 2024. Fitzsimons Army Hospital can be seen in the background.
