Mary Edwards Walker was an American physician who earned her medical degree from Syracuse Medical College in 1855 and served during the Civil War as the first female surgeon employed by the United States Army, first as a volunteer and later on official appointment. She repeatedly crossed battle lines to treat wounded soldiers and civilians, was captured and imprisoned by Confederate forces, and in 1865 became the only woman ever awarded the Medal of Honor for her wartime service. She remained an outspoken advocate for women's rights and dress reform for the rest of her life, and to date she is still the only woman to hold the Medal of Honor.
Facts
Connections
Specialist In
Mary Edwards Walker served as a Civil War field surgeon.
In the Other Atlases
Sources
1. Wikidata: Mary Edwards Walker
- Wikidata Q2418031, class allow-list match (w-wdresolver-0926)
- Wikidata P569 (w-bbfill-medicine3-0926)
View the Source2. Wikipedia: Mary Edwards Walker
Lede, opening parentheticalQuote, Lede, opening parenthetical
Mary Edwards Walker (November 26, 1832 - February 21, 1919)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Mary Edwards Walker the only woman to have received the Medal of Honor?
Walker received the Medal of Honor in 1865 for her wartime service in the Civil War, and to date she is still the only woman to hold it. She earned her medical degree from Syracuse Medical College in 1855 and served as the first female surgeon employed by the United States Army, first as a volunteer and later on official appointment. She repeatedly crossed battle lines to treat wounded soldiers and civilians and was captured and imprisoned by Confederate forces.
Reader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.