National Purple Heart Day profile: Annie Fox
As the nation celebrates military heroes on National Purple Heart Day, AOL takes a look at some of the most compelling, heart-wrenching and heartwarming stories behind those who have earned the prestigious award.
The history of the Purple Heart stretches as far back as the American Revolution, but for women it begins in 1942 -- that's when First Lieutenant Annie Fox of the Army Nurse Corps became the first woman in U.S history to earn the honor.
Many Hollywood movies and historical documentaries have tried to replicate the chaos that was the triage unit at Pearl Harbor the day of the attacks, but as the chief nurse on duty December 7th at Hickam Field, Fox experienced it first hand.
Fox saved lives by treating those with severe burns or lost limbs, administering anesthesia, dressing wounds, and directing and training volunteer nurses with little to no experience.
It's said she did it all cool, calm and collected.
Fox was never wounded, but in those days the medal was given for heroic service in combat.
Two years later when the criteria was changed to those wounded or killed in action 1LT. Fox was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for her heroic act in lieu of the Purple Heart.
We still think she's a boss and clearly others do too, today she remains in the conversation among the top women in American history. She's now in the running to replace Alexander Hamilton on the $10 bill as the U.S. treasury prepares to add a woman by 2020.
Read more awe-inspiring stories about heroes who have earned a Purple Heart award:
Charles Elder was shocked to receive the honor 65 years after he served in the Korean war
Henry Johnson was a fiercely brave member of the famed WWII Harlem Hellfighters
Kristin Beck overcame immeasurable challenges on the battlefield and then at home
Calvin Winright's family had no idea he died a war hero -- until one woman found his award
Chris Melendez joined the military after the 9/11 attacks and now he's making history
