Duerk, Alene B. (1920–)

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Duerk, Alene B. (1920–)

American naval admiral. Born Mar 29, 1920, in Defiance, Ohio; graduated from Toledo Hospital School of Nursing (1941); Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Western Reserve University, BS, 1948.

Received commission as ensign in US Navy (1943); served stateside and on hospital ship in Pacific; after moving to reserve status, was called to active duty during Korean War (1951); transferred from reserves to regular Navy (c. 1953); taught nursing classes in Navy; became director of nursing at San Diego Naval Hospital Corps School (CA, 1965); served as chief of nursing services at Great Lakes Naval Hospital (1968–70); made head of Navy Nurse Corps (1970); was the 1st woman to be appointed rear admiral in US Navy (1972); retired (1975).