Several real-life MASH nurses who served in the Korean War are said to have been the prototype and inspiration for the character of Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan. Most notable among them is Capt. Ruth Dickson, Chief Nurse of the 8055th MASH. Also mentioned is one "Hotlips Hammerly," said to be a very attractive blonde, of the same disposition, and also from El Paso, Texas. A third name found in some internet resources is Capt. Jane Thurness. All of them were career Army nurses who eventually rose to high rank. Which nurse was the actual prototype is a matter of surmise, and it probably depends on which aspect of the Margaret Houlihan personality one is concerned with.