Diane Carlson Evans: Honoring a Pioneering Vietnam War Nurse and Memorial Founder
Vietnam War Nurse, Memorial Founder Remembered for 'Courage, Compassion'
Military.com
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Diane Carlson Evans, a U.S. Army nurse during the Vietnam War, passed away on May 20 at age 79 after battling cancer. She is remembered for founding the Vietnam Women's Memorial and advocating for women's recognition in military service. Her legacy includes numerous honors and a commitment to veterans' advocacy.
- 01Diane Carlson Evans served as a U.S. Army nurse during the Vietnam War, working at the 36th and 71st Evacuation Hospitals.
- 02She founded the Vietnam Women's Memorial in Washington, D.C., which was dedicated in 1993, honoring women who served in the military.
- 03Evans was awarded the Presidential Citizen Medal in January 2025, accepted on her behalf by American Legion National Commander Denise Rohan.
- 04She received the VFW’s Commander-in-Chief Gold Medal of Merit for her leadership and advocacy for women veterans.
- 05Evans is survived by her husband, four children, and six grandchildren, and her family encourages donations to veteran organizations in her memory.
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Diane Carlson Evans, a prominent U.S. Army nurse during the Vietnam War, passed away on May 20 at the age of 79 after a long battle with cancer. Born in 1946 in Buffalo, Minnesota, Evans served as a medical-surgical nurse in Vietnam, where she played a crucial role in caring for wounded soldiers. After her service, she became a strong advocate for women veterans, founding the Vietnam Women's Memorial in Washington, D.C., which was dedicated in 1993. Her work brought national attention to the contributions of women in the military, earning her numerous accolades, including the Presidential Citizen Medal awarded posthumously in 2025. Evans was also recognized by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) for her leadership and advocacy, receiving their Commander-in-Chief Gold Medal of Merit. Known for her compassion and commitment, she is remembered by veterans groups and her family as a role model who inspired many. Evans is survived by her husband and children, and her family urges others to honor her memory by supporting veterans.
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Evans' advocacy has significantly raised awareness of women's contributions in the military, impacting how female veterans are recognized and honored.
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