Clara Ayres facts for kids

Clara Ayres (born September 16, 1880 – died May 17, 1917) was a brave American nurse. She joined the United States Army during World War I. Clara Ayres and Helen Burnett Wood were the first two women to die while serving in the U.S. military. This happened after an explosion on the ship USS Mongolia in 1917.

Early Life and Education

Clara Edith Work was born on September 16, 1880. Her hometown was Venice Township, Seneca County, Ohio. She was the oldest of three children. Her parents were James and Mary Work. Clara grew up in a place called Attica, which is in the same township.

In 1903, Clara married Wayland D. Ayres. He owned a grocery store. A few years later, her husband passed away. Clara tried to run the store herself. But later, she worked as a clerk in another store nearby.

Becoming a Nurse

In 1910, Clara decided to become a nurse. She traveled to Chicago to study at a nursing school there. She worked very hard and graduated in 1913. After graduating, she became an instructor at the Cook County Hospital. She taught other people how to be nurses until 1917.

Serving in World War I

In 1917, the American Red Cross asked for trained nurses. They needed help for the soldiers in World War I. Clara Ayres answered their call. She was accepted to serve as a nurse.

She was sent to travel to France on a ship called the USS Mongolia. While the ship was sailing, the crew practiced firing one of its guns. The medical staff, including Clara, were watching nearby. Suddenly, the gun exploded.

A Tragic Loss

The explosion sadly killed Clara Ayres and another nurse, Helen Burnett Wood. This happened on May 17, 1917. The ship then took their bodies back to New York City.

Clara Ayres and Helen Burnett Wood were very important. They were the first two women to die while serving in the United States military.

Honoring a Hero

A special service was held for them by the Red Cross on May 23. After the service, Clara's body was taken back to Ohio. She was buried with military honors on May 26.

A bronze plaque was placed at the Chicago Training School for Nurses. It was put there to remember Clara and her bravery. Their deaths were big news across the country. In 2017, a historical marker was placed near her grave. This marker helps people remember her service and sacrifice.