The first Black woman to become part of the U.S. Army Nurse Corps after the military’s desegregation in the 1940s has passed away at the age of 104.
Nancy Leftenant-Colon, who achieved the rank of major before her retirement, died earlier this month in a nursing home located in New York. Friends and family have honored her memory, highlighting her role in breaking down racial barriers throughout her impressive military career.
Fondly referred to as “Lefty,” she was one of six siblings who served in the armed forces, including a brother who gained recognition as a Tuskegee Airmen pilot. Tragically, he died due to a mid-air collision over Austria in 1945, and his remains have never been located, as noted in her biography on the Tuskegee Airmen Inc. official page.
“She was an incredible person,” her nephew Chris Leftenant shared. “She never made a fuss over being the first in many instances. It was just a natural progression for her.”
After the military was desegregated in 1948, Leftenant-Colon initially became part of the all-Black 332nd Fighter Group as a nurse. After the disbanding of the 332nd, she transitioned to the U.S. Air Force and served through the Korean and Vietnam wars.
Her significant contributions included setting up hospital wards in Japan, aiding in the evacuation of French Legionnaires from Vietnam, and participating in the first medical evacuation flight into Dien Bien Phu, where Vietnamese forces defeated the French colonial army over seventy years ago. Her retirement came in 1965, where she concluded her service as a chief nurse.
Post-military life saw her taking on the role of a school nurse at Amityville Memorial High School in New York, where she worked from 1971 until 1984. Known for her inspiring motto “The sky is the limit,” the school district honored her by naming the library media center after her.
Leftenant-Colon also made history as the first woman elected president of the Tuskegee Airmen Inc., serving from 1989 to 1991.
“She paved the way for many and ensured that doors remained open for others,” said Chris Lefenant. “She was just a pioneer, and she always sought to provide opportunities for those who would follow in her footsteps.”
Suffolk County Legislator Jason Richberg, who presented her with a proclamation in 2022, described Leftenant-Colon as a “firecracker” of a person.
“It was genuinely an honor to be in her presence,” he recounted. “She was unapologetically herself, showcasing authenticity and humility. Her stories about her family and experiences were captivating.”
Both Chris Lefenant and Richberg noted her modesty regarding her achievements, with Leftenant-Colon frequently stating, “I was doing my part.” Despite being a hero to her family, she emphasized that everyone could achieve greatness.
Born in Goose Creek, South Carolina, in 1920, Leftenant-Colon was one of 12 children and the granddaughter of a freed slave. Her family moved north to Amityville, New York, in 1923, where she ultimately passed away on January 8th.
