Utinsky, Margaret, 1900-1970

Margaret Utinsky (August 26, 1900 – August 30, 1970) was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Truman for her efforts as a nurse during World War II. Margaret married Jack Utinsky in Manila, Philippines in 1934 and did not evacuate when the Japanese invaded in 1942. She posed as a Lithuanian nurse Rena Utinsky by obtaining obtained false papers and led an underground movement to smuggle medication, food, money, and other supplies to American POWs. She was imprisoned and tortured, but after being released, resumed her activities. Utinsky was known by the code name "Miss U." She is credited with helping countless soldiers although much of her story is not verifiable in any way other than her own autobiography, which contains some factual errors.