Saratoga Standard

Senator Jim Tedisco (R,C-Ballston Lake) and his colleagues in the New York State Senate honored Malta resident, Vietnam War veteran, and former U.S. Navy nurse, Lt. Helene Wallingford as a New York State Senate Woman of Distinction on May 14, 2024.

"Lt. Helene Wallingford served five years of active duty in the U.S. Navy from 1965-1970 as a nurse providing healing care for injured and wounded American service members during the height of the Vietnam War. There are many veterans who would not be alive today if it was not for U.S. Navy veteran Lt. Helene Wallingford and the other nurses who served who were there to provide compassionate care for our wounded warriors and truly saved lives during the Vietnam War," said Senator Jim Tedisco.

In recognition of her courageous service and efforts to save lives during the Vietnam War, Wallingford was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and Navy Commendation.

During her time in service, she met her future husband, U.S. Marine Corps Captain David Wallingford when he was evacuated to a military hospital in Yokosuka, Japan after being shot and wounded in Vietnam.

Following her military service, Wallingford worked as a nurse at St. Peter’s Hospital and Saratoga Hospital. She later advised and educated nursing students at Maria College and the Excelsior College Nursing Program.

Wallingford also served as Past President of Sigma Theta Tau International, giving back to her fellow nurses.

Wallingford's life took a romantic turn when she fell in love with David while treating him for wounds he sustained during the Vietnam War. The couple got married, raised four children together, and are now proud grandparents of eight grandchildren.

Both Helene and David have been recipients of the New York State Senate Liberty Medal for their courageous service to their state and nation during the Vietnam War.