TIFTON, Ga. (WALB) — Downtown Tifton’s annual Veterans Day Tribute celebrated the bravery and accomplishments of a southwest Georgia woman who made history during World War II.

While recognizing all veterans who served our nation, the ceremony unveiled a special bronze plaque honoring Army 1st Lieutenant Nurse Mildred H. Overstreet at the Jackstone Veterans Memorial Park.

Born in 1918, 1st Lt. Overstreet became one of only two American women to serve in all five major Campaigns in the European Theater during WWII, according to the Daughters of the American Revolution, Tallassee Chapter (Tifton DAR).

She earned the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Ribbon with Five Battle Stars, the World War II Victory Medal, and recognition associated with a Meritorious Unit Plaque, and was recommended for a Purple Heart before she died in 1991.

The event celebrated the Army nurse’s historic service and honored her surviving family members with a special presentation from the Southwest Georgia Nurse Honor Guard.

The Nurse Honor Guard performed the Nightingale Tribute releasing Overstreet from her professional duties.

Overstreet’s son Luther Overstreet attended the event. He said he was grateful the city recognized his mother.

Luther said, “This is a wonderful honor for her for our family, we really appreciate that the people of Tifton. We want them to know this goes out to every veteran. It does not have one person in mind. It is something for everyone. I appreciate every veteran and everyone who attended today. It meant so much, thank you.”

Phillip Stringfield, a retired Army command sergeant major gave a keynote speech reminding veterans they can ask for help when they return home. Stringfield said the hardest thing he ever did, was asking his wife for help after returning home from active duty.

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