Assigned to a British Clearing Hospital, Nurse MacDonald and her unit served four miles behind the lines in Belgium. German aircraft bombed her hospital, wounding her with shell fragmentation. Due to her injuries, she lost her right eye. Nurse MacDonald remained in the army and served throughout the war. She is the first known woman to be awarded the Purple Heart. -This narrative was researched and written by Hall of Honor staff. Permission required for use. Please contact the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, a New York State Parks site under the jurisdiction of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission.