Duerk, the director of the Navy Nurse Corps, became a rear admiral in 1972, over a decade before the better known Grace Hopper.
U.S. Navy wrote:From the crucible of caring for wounded Sailors, Marines and prisoners of war during World War II in the Pacific, she blazed a trail of stellar performance in tough jobs, serving as an inspiration for an ever increasing number of women officers who have followed her path.
Donald J. Trump wrote:The U.S. Navy’s first female Admiral, Alene Duerk once said: “It was a nice distinction to have, and to be recognized as the first, but I wanted to make certain that I used that notoriety to do as much positive as I could.” Alene did just that, and America is forever grateful!