A 100-year-old Niagara Falls woman is being honored for her service to our country during World War II.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) presented Patricia Knibbs with several military medals Thursday morning at the Niagara Falls Veterans Memorial in Hyde Park.
Knibbs joined the Women's Army Corps in January 1944 and served with the Corps for two years ntil she was honorably discharged in March 1946. She began her military service as a Technician and served as a chauffer for various military equipment and personnel, and maintained the vehicle. She went on to become a Corporal Technician and eventually became a military police officer.
During WWII Knibbs worked as a clerk in a clerk in an overseas supply office, checking requisitions against stock on hand, monitoring incoming messages for orders and sending lists with equipment request to the freight department.
Knibbs received the following medals Tuesday:
- The Good Conduct Medal - awarded to members of the military who complete duty with “honorable and faithful service”
- American Campaign Medal – awarded to honor soldiers who performed military service in the American Theater of Operations during World War II.
- World War II Victory Medal - established by Congress in 1945 and presented to those who actively served between December 7, 1941 and December 31, 1946
- Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII - representing an honorable discharge following service in World War II
- Women’s Army Corps Medal - Created in 1943 by President Franklin Roosevelt to recognize the service of women during the Second World War. The profile featured on the medal is that of the goddess Pallas Athena.
Knibbs remains very active. She enjoys exercising every morning, cooking, crocheting, sewing and participating in activities at the John Duke Center. She previously worked as a seamstress and continues to work as a hairdresser.
