The Whittle Collection

Reba Whittle

Her bag may be little, but her grit was not.

A flight nurse whose plane was shot down over Europe ā€” and the only female American POW in the European theatre of World War II.

Read Reba's Full Story
Reba Whittle
Reba Whittle

Her Story

Shot down. Taken prisoner. Never silenced.

Born in 1919, Reba was an inspiring Air Force flight nurse whose plane was shot down during WWII. As a Prisoner of War ā€” the only female WWII POW in the European theatre ā€” she sustained injuries while helping rehabilitate other captives. She received the Purple Heart and the Air Medal upon repatriation.

Then the Army decided she was "fine," denied her disability compensation, and discharged her. Yes, you read that correctly.

Reba and her husband fought for her POW status for nearly 10 years. She was finally awarded recognition 38 years after her capture. Sadly, it came two years after she lost her battle with cancer.

Explore Reba's Impact

The Whittle

Bags inspired by Reba's strength and voice.

Designed to carry what matters. Made to honor her legacy.

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Bag styles and availability may vary.

Every Reba bag empowers another mission.

A portion of each purchase supports military spouses and their families.