From Coatesville to Florence
The story of veteran Rebecca Louise George
During World War II, countless women answered the call to serve, stepping into roles that reshaped history and helped turn the tide during humanity’s darkest hour. These women served as mechanics, nurses, radio operators, pilots, codebreakers, factory workers and spies. Across countries and continents, they faced unimaginable challenges, yet they fulfilled their duties with unshakable resolve.
They asked for no recognition or reward, but history will forever remember them as heroes.
A Nurse from Coatesville
Among the courageous women who went off to war — but never came home — was Second Lieutenant Rebecca Louise George, a remarkable nurse from Coatesville, Pennsylvania.
Born December 9, 1909, Rebecca was the daughter of Frederick “Fred” George, a steel mill foreman, and Ada Blanche George, a homemaker. Her early life was marked by tragedy. On May 5, 1911, when Rebecca was just a toddler, her mother passed away from pulmonary disease. A few years later, tragedy struck again. On July 12, 1928, her father was fishing alongside a river when he decided to take a swim. He suddenly disappeared beneath the water. Nearby swimmers tried to rescue him, but their efforts were in vain, and Fred drowned at the age of 42.
Despite these heartbreaking hardships, Rebecca persevered. With the love and support of her brothers, she graduated from Coatesville High School and went on to receive her nursing training at Lancaster General Hospital. Her dedication to care and leadership led her to become night supervisor at West Chester Hospital, which later became Memorial Hospital of Chester County. At that time, her life was one of quiet strength, purpose and service to others.
A Call to Serve
In 1942, as the world was at war and freedom was in peril, Rebecca felt a duty to serve and enlisted in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps. Assigned to the 24th Station Hospital, she was deployed overseas, serving for more than two years in U.S. Army hospitals across India and the Middle East. Her work was physically exhausting and emotionally draining. Day after day, she cared for the sick and wounded with unwavering dedication, doing everything possible to save lives. Despite the harsh conditions, she carried out her duties with remarkable strength, never complaining.
On December 29, 1944, after her long and faithful service, Rebecca was finally on her way home on furlough. She couldn’t wait to return to Coatesville. But sadly, she never made it. On that fateful day, while she was aboard an aircraft, something went horribly wrong. The plane crashed in Central Africa, killing her instantly. Second Lieutenant Rebecca L. George was only 35 years old.
The news of her death reached her beloved hometown of Coatesville by telegram, delivered to her brother’s residence at 631 Olive Street. Everyone who knew and loved this kind, compassionate nurse mourned her loss deeply.
Sacred Ground
Today, Rebecca rests at the Florence American Cemetery in Italy, among 4,393 American heroes who sacrificed their lives, their dreams and their futures for our freedom. Nestled in the peaceful Tuscan landscape, this beautiful cemetery stands as sacred ground. Each white marble cross and Star of David marks a life — a story, a voice — forever remembered.
Rebecca wasn’t the only member of the George family to demonstrate courage, service and valor. Her half-brother, Second Lieutenant Harry D. George, was a B-25 pilot of the 487th Bomb Squadron, 340th Bomb Group. In June 1944, this native of Coatesville was flying over Northern Italy when his bomber was struck by enemy fire and forced to land behind enemy lines. Driven by extraordinary resilience and determination, Harry survived and managed to make his way back to American lines after a grueling 78-day journey through enemy territory.
As we honor Lieutenant Rebecca Louise George, we must ensure her story is never lost. Her brief but impactful life is a testament to the power of compassion, the strength of women in times of adversity, and the sacrifices made by all who served in World War II. We are the guardians of her legacy, and it’s now our duty to keep her memory alive and highlight all those who, like Rebecca, proudly and bravely answered the call during World War II.
