The Women

Mai is a young Vietnamese girl living in an orphanage after American troops found her in her dead mother’s arms. Though Mai doesn’t speak, she allows Frankie to rock her to sleep. Mai’s memory haunts Frankie and reveals that American troops are enacting violence on their allies.

Captain Ted Smith is the doctor who runs the Neuro ward at the 36th Evac Hospital in Vietnam. Under his guidance, Frankie practices basic nursing skills and develops compassion for her patients.

Lieutenant Colonel Hap Dickerson is a surgeon working in the operating room at the 71st Evac Hospital. He and Frankie often work on soldiers in blackout conditions under heavy gunfire. Hap looks out for Frankie’s mental health as often as possible.

Melvin Turner, who goes by the nickname “Coyote,” is a member of the Seawolves—naval helicopter pilots who provide combat support in Vietnam. Rye Walsh is his commanding officer. A daring and wild man, Coyote is romantically interested in Frankie.

Dr. Alden is Frankie’s therapist and Henry’s colleague at the therapeutic drug and alcohol treatment facility. Dr. Alden specializes in Vietnam veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and helps Frankie learn to process her harrowing memories.

Anne Jenkins is the wife of a naval officer who is being held prisoner in Hoa Lo Prison in Vietnam. She advocates for him and other prisoners of war through the League of POW/MIA Families, encouraging women to take action to ensure the men are not forgotten.

Patty Perkins is a surgical nurse who greets Frankie upon her arrival in Vietnam.

Major Wendy Goldstein is the chief nurse at the 36th Evac Hospital in Vietnam. She is a no-nonsense woman with a clear sense of what is at stake in the war.

Margie Sloan is Frankie’s bunkmate after Ethel and Barb have returned to the U.S. Frankie helps acclimate Margie to the horrors of Vietnam, just as her friends did for her.

Melissa Walsh is Rye Walsh’s wife, whose existence he concealed from Frankie during their relationship. She and Rye have two children together.

Sarah Callahan is Jamie Callahan’s wife, who he visits while on leave.

Will Johnson is Barb’s younger brother. He is killed in a police shootout alongside other Black Panthers.

Albert Brown is a charming young Black soldier who Frankie first cares for after he’s been shot in the butt. The second time Frankie encounters Albert, he is dying from his wounds. She stays with him and promises to write to his mother.

Donna is a nurse who served in Vietnam. She lives with Frankie in on the ranch in Montana, helping other women veterans heal.

Becky Gillihan is Frankie’s high school friend who still lives on Coronado Island. Unable to comprehend Becky’s ignorance about the war, Frankie causes a scene at her engagement party.

Dr. Durfee is a psychiatrist who works at Frankie’s local veterans’ clinic. He dismisses Frankie’s trauma because she is a woman.