Mary Walker was the first woman awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, for her work as a surgeon during the Civil War. Dr. Mary Walker was an outspoken advocate for women's rights, and the first woman ever awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Accordingly, how did Mary Edwards Walker get the Medal of Honor?
In November 1865, having left government service for good, Walker was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Andrew Johnson, even though she was a civilian who had never been a commissioned officer in military service. Walker refused to return the medal, though, and continued to wear it until she died two years later.
Also, why was Mary Edwards Walker important during the Civil War?
As a surgeon, women's rights advocate, abolitionist, and spy, Walker became the first female U.S. Army surgeon during the Civil War. Her legacy has been celebrated across the country, and in 2012 Walker's hometown unveiled a 900-pound bronze statue in honor of her contributions.
When was Dr Mary Walker born?
Has a woman ever won the Medal of Honor?
The only female Medal of Honor recipient is Mary Edwards Walker, a Civil War surgeon. Her medal was rescinded in 1917 along with many other non-combat awards, but it was restored by President Jimmy Carter in 1977. Since 1900, only four have been awarded to Canadians.