SOLDIER PROFILE – DR. MARY EDWARDS WALKER, ONLY WOMAN TO EARN THE MEDAL OF HONOR Dr. Mary Edwards Walker was a trailblazing figure in American history, becoming a doctor during a time when women were not widely accepted in the physician’s profession and serving her country as the Union Army’s only female surgeon during the Civil War. Her zeal and determination earned her the Medal of Honor in recognition of her service. When the Civil War began, Edwards Walker offered her services as a surgeon to the Union Army, although they initially rejected her because of her gender and offered her a place as a nurse. Although technically a nurse, Edwards Walker performed in a surgeon’s role during the early years of the war, and she served in field hospitals at various battles in the Eastern Theater and in the U.S. Patent Office Hospital in Washington, D.C. At that time, she also organized the Women’s Relief Organization, aiding the wives and mothers of wounded soldiers who came to visit Washington area hospitals. In September 1863 she at last obtained employment with the War Department as a civilian “Contract Acting Assistant Surgeon” – equivalent in pay and authority to a lieutenant or captain depending on length of service and experience. While assigned to the U.S. Army of the Cumberland medical department, she briefly replaced the regimental surgeon of the 52d Ohio Infantry. Mary conspicuously dressed in a modified uniform of her own design: a blue dress resembling an officer’s frock coat and trousers with gold piping, felt hat and the green sash of a surgeon. Commended by Major Generals William T. Sherman and George H. Thomas for meritorious service, President Andrew Johnson awarded her the Medal of Honor on 11 November 1865. However, Dr. Walker's Medal of Honor was among 910 rescinded after a review by the Medal of Honor Board in 1917. The Board determined her award was “unwarranted” due to her status as a civilian employee, not a member of the armed forces. Dr. Walker's Medal of Honor was restored in 1977. #Armyhistory #ArmyNurses #CivilWar #CivilWarHistory #MedalOfHonor #MOH #WomensHistoryMonth #Diversity Posted @withregram • @armyhistory (at Spring Hill, Tennessee) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpXtcnkO4W9/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
