In a moving tribute to service and sacrifice, 101-year-old Navy veteran Pat Rudd shared her remarkable story with Martha MacCallum on Fox News Channel's "Home of the Brave." Rudd, one of the pioneering women deployed overseas during World War II, recounted her journey, inspired by her brother's military path.

Rudd's desire to emulate her brother led her to join the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES), a program that opened doors for women in the military. She vividly recalled the moment the bill allowing women to serve overseas passed, immediately volunteering and becoming one of the first 200 women deployed. This opportunity, she described, was an initial thrill in her service journey.

Prior to their military service, Rudd and her brother worked together in a factory. After he enlisted, she felt a strong pull to follow suit, solidifying her decision to join the Navy. While stationed in Hawaii, she yearned to see her brother, a gunner's mate often at sea, but their paths unfortunately never crossed during her time there. He arrived shortly after her departure.

Rudd's military contributions extended beyond her own family ties. She played a vital role in educating fellow sailors, teaching them to read and write. She also served in a military hospital. One of her most cherished memories was witnessing the joy of a sailor who, thanks to her tutelage, could finally read a letter from his mother. The emotional impact of this experience was palpable as she recounted the story.

Rudd also shared a poignant story of a chance encounter in Seattle. She met a man while dancing and they quickly became friends. Months later, she received a call from the hospital and, after searching through rows of injured patients, discovered her friend among them. Though saddened by his condition, she was heartened by his optimistic outlook and his determination to recover. This experience, she admitted, was one of the most challenging she faced during her service.

Even after her military career ended, Rudd's commitment to service continued. Coming from a large family of ten children, she dedicated her time to needlework at VA hospitals, further demonstrating her lifelong dedication to helping others.