1862 - 1st female surgeon in the US Army during the Civil War

* Walker was 1st female surgeon in the US Army during the Civil War, denied a commission because she was a female * Was captured by Confederate soldiers after crossing enemy lines to treat wounded civilians and imprisoned for 4 months before being released in a prisoner exchange * Began wearing men's clothing during the Civil War because it was less restrictive & more sanitary than trailing long skirts though dirt * Frequently arrested for wearing men's clothing * Only female recipient of the Medal of Honor. Her Medal of Honor was revoked in 1917 because she was a civilian. She refused to return it & wore it every day until she died. The medal was restored in 1977.

Category:
Surgery

Completion Status:
done

Patent Number:
N/A