Thorp served as a military nurse for 28 years, between 1937 and 1966.

She started at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, D.C.   “It was a much nicer place than it is now—at least that’s what the newspapers say,” said the 91-year-old Vacaville resident.  One of her most memorable experiences happened during that first assignment. She had been on duty no more than 24 hours when she was suddenly given a special assignment–to be the nurse of General Pershing.  “He was at that time a big- wig in the service,” said Ms. Thorp.  “Top dog, you might say.”  She was on duty with him a little over a month before she was transferred somewhere else, but the experience stuck with her.  “The general’s attitude toward both people and the service and a few things he taught me about military protocol as well, they was the one thing that kept me stronger than ever for military service.”

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