Pennsylvania Volunteers
in the Spanish-American War

1898-1899

PA Spanish-American War

Interview of a PA nurse, Elizabeth R. Kratz

Miss Elizabeth R. Kratz, daughter of Dr. Harvey Kratz, who was a former student at the West Chester (Pennsylvania) Normal School, was a nurse in the hospital at Fort Myer. In writing about her duties she said:

We are very busy just at present, with the two hundred patients from Montauk, but expect to be through with the work here in a few weeks, unless we get patients from somewhere else, which isn't likely to happen. I have enjoyed my war experience very much. It is almost as good as being a real soldier. The men are very grateful and appreciative; my section contains the regulars. My Santiago heroes I call them.

It is a treat to hear them describe the country, the trip, and the battles. The one man I am particularly proud of was among the selected men to help raise the Stars and Stripes above the town of Santiago. In most cases the men are genuine soldiers, battling through long sieges of sickness, which requires more courage and patience than storming a town. President McKinley paid us a visit several days ago, talking pleasantly to the patients and nurses.