Born: 12 October 1919, United States
Died: 21 November 2021
Country most active: United States
Also known as: Wigmuke Waste’ Win
The following bio was written by Emma Rosen, author of On This Day She Made History: 366 Days With Women Who Shaped the World and This Day In Human Ingenuity & Discovery: 366 Days of Scientific Milestones with Women in the Spotlight, and has been republished with permission.
Wigmuke Waste’ Win (Marcella Ryan LeBeau) was a prominent Lakota figure, celebrated for her service as a nurse and military veteran. She was born in Promise, South Dakota, with a diverse heritage, part Two Kettles Lakota and part Irish-American. In 1942, she earned her nursing degree from St. Mary’s Hospital in Pierre, South Dakota, embarking on a career as a registered nurse in Pontiac, Michigan. In 1943, she made a significant decision, enlisting in the United States Army Nurse Corps to serve during World War II. Her dedication led her to serve in France, England, and Belgium under the 76th General Hospital unit, including at the harrowing Battle of the Bulge. Her service in the Army culminated with the rank of First Lieutenant.
Upon completing her military service, she returned to South Dakota, settling in Rapid City, where she encountered the harsh realities of racial segregation. Her experiences included being denied the purchase of certain products, like vanilla extract, at local grocery stores.
Marcella LeBeau continued her career in healthcare by working for the Indian Health Service (IHS), eventually becoming the director of nursing at the IHS facility in Eagle Butte, South Dakota. She dedicated 31 years to her profession before retiring, earning recognition through the O. Marie Henry RNDNSC Chief Nurse and the Mable Ann Wagner Award.
Marcella LeBeau’s dedication to healthcare, her involvement in politics, and her efforts to promote a smoke-free community left a lasting legacy. She passed away in 2021 at the age of 102, leaving behind a significant impact and a loving family.
The following is republished from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This piece falls under under public domain, as copyright does not apply to “any work of the U.S. Government” where “a work prepared by an officer or employee of the U.S. Government as part of that person’s official duties” (See, 17 U.S.C. §§ 101, 105).
Ninety-nine-year-old Marcella Ryan LeBeau enlisted in 1943 and served in the Army Nurse Corps in WWII, reaching the rank of 1st Lieutenant. Marcella received orders to join the 76th General Hospital unit and was shipped out to England, followed by Wales, France and Belgium, supporting the European Theatre Operations and caring for those injured in the Normandy Landings and on the front line during the Battle of the Bulge. Marcella is from Eagle Butte, South Dakota where she is a member of the Two Kettle Band of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. During WWII, on the 60th anniversary of D-Day, Marcella traveled to France where she was presented with the French Legion of Honor Award. Marcella continues to participate at many Veterans’ events, speaking of her military experience in World War II.
In 2006, Marcella was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame, being recognized for her military achievements as well as her 31 years in nursing. Marcella has raised a family of eight children and remains a fierce advocate for Veterans, the Lakota language and culture and much, much more.