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National Museum of Nuclear Science & History

Virginia J. Olsson

Project StaffOak Ridge, TN

Manhattan Project VeteranProject Worker/Staff
Virginia Olsson and General Nichols in 1994

Virginia Olsson worked as a secretary (today the term would be ‘administrative assistant’) first with Colonel J.C. Marshall then with Brig Gen Leslie Groves then with Colonel (later Maj Gen) Kenneth D Nichols during World War II. After the war, she continued work with General Nichols at the Atomic Energy Commission and privately in his consulting practice.

K. David Nichols, Jr (General Nichols’ son) recalls Virginia as not just a trusted and loyal worker, but also like a loving big sister to him as well as his sister Jan. She would always be at family events, birthdays, holidays, and weddings with a loving smile and a willingness to please. There were many tears in the family when she passed.

Virginia did not marry and had no children. All of her life was devoted in service to her country and the people she worked for. She is an unsung hero of World War II.

Additional, limited information on Ms. Olsson follows on the next pages. Any additional information on Ms. Olsson, including her obituary, would be appreciated.

Photo of Virginia Olsson in Highschool, Courtesy of St. Croix Historical Society

Courtesy of St. Croix Historical Society

Courtesy of St. Croix Historical Society

Courtesy of St. Croix Historical Society

Courtesy of St. Croix Historical Society

Courtesy of St. Croix Historical Society

Courtesy of St. Croix Historical Society

Courtesy of St. Croix Historical Society

Courtesy of St. Croix Historical Society

Courtesy of St. Croix Historical Society

Courtesy of St. Croix Historical Society

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