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First Black Woman Army General, Hazel Johnson-Brown, Dies at 83

A pioneer in military nursing, Hazel Johnson-Brown broke barriers and inspired generations. Her legacy lives on.

This is black and white image, in this image there is a lady.
This is black and white image, in this image there is a lady.

First Black Woman Army General, Hazel Johnson-Brown, Dies at 83

Hazel Johnson-Brown, a trailblazing figure in the U.S. Army, has left an indelible mark on military nursing. Born in West Chester, Pennsylvania, on Oct. 10, 1927, she went on to become the first Black woman to achieve the rank of general, a distinction she earned in 1979.

Throughout her career, Hazel Johnson-Brown received numerous accolades. She was named Army Nurse of the Year twice, reflecting her exceptional service and dedication. In 1979, she made history again when she was promoted to brigadier general, becoming the first Black woman to command over 7,000 nurses in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps.

Her impact extended beyond her military service. She was a mentor and inspiration to countless nurses, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations.

Hazel Johnson-Brown passed away in 2011 at the age of 83, having lived a full and impactful life. Her legacy continues to inspire and influence the U.S. Army and the nursing profession at large.

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