Mary Van Harn ’52

Mary A. Van Harn, age 88, passed away peacefully on December 14, 2018, with her family by her side.

COL Van Harn is originally from Zeeland, MI, and went to the U.S. Army School of Physical Therapy at Brooke Army Medical Center, TX. She graduated from Hope College in Michigan and then earned her MS degree from USC.

She served in the Army Medical Specialist Corps and retired with 30 years of service from 1952-1982.

During the Vietnam conflict she was assigned to Camp Drake, Army Hospital, Japan; U.S. Army Medical Center, Okinawa and then transferred to Vietnam in January 1970.

While in country she was Chief U.S. Army Physical Therapy consultant, Vietnam and assigned to the 93rd Evac hospital in Long Binh from 19701971. Her tour required frequent helicopter trips and visiting of all Army hospitals and medical centers in country.

After Vietnam, she was assigned to Walter Reed Army Medical Center, as Chief and later assigned Chief, Physical Therapy Section, Army Medical Specialist Corps.

COL Van Harn holds the Bronze Star along with other medals. She had several different assignments during her career in the U.S. Army and was always respected for her special knowledge about treatment of neurological injuries and use of ice therapy.

She is preceded in death by her parents; Martin and Marie Van Harn; sister, Norma (Roger) Plasman; and brother, Martin and (Joan) Van Harn.

She is survived by her nephews; Curt Van Harn, Michael (Susan) Plasman; nieces, Diane (Michael) Cribbs, Merry Van Harn (James Gohlke), Marty Amaya, Melody (Tim) Dykstra; many great nieces and nephews; and longtime friend, Dale Boggs.

Return to Current In Memoriam