Dr. Mary Walker: A Tragic Hero

Dr. Mary Walker was a female surgeon during the American civil war who would later become the only women to receive a Medal of Honor and would consistently be a major proponent and participant in the women’s liberation movement until her death. Her service to the country as the first female army surgeon paved the way for female military service and medical legitimacy. In her later years, she was a major actor in the women’s liberation movement by writing numerous essays on women’s rights, challenging gender norms, and testifying before Congress for suffrage. Although she was considered a radical, Dr. Walker’s life and personality made her a hero and a figure of women’s rights in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Dr. Walker was born in Oswego, New York, on November 26, 1832, to liberal, abolitionist parents. During her childhood, she was given an education and instilled with the egalitarian values of her parents. She was raised believing that women were equal to men and that people of

Walker was able to demonstrate her medical abilities and dedication she was eventually promoted to surgeon in 1863, despite the dismay of many male surgeons. By her promotion, she became the first woman surgeon employed by the United States’ Army. As well as being a commended surgeon she continued pushing for reform, opting to use the more practical men’s outfit rather than a dress. However, while treating soldiers in April 1864 she was captured by Confederate soldiers and tried as a spy. She stayed in the prison camp for five months until she was exchanged for a Confederate surgeon. Dr. Walker suffered a permanent disability, likely from malnutrition, but she would not be deterred and continued to support the war effort until the union victory. Following the war Generals Sherman and Thomas recommended her for the medal of honor which she received in November 1865. She is one of eight civilians to receive the award and the only woman to ever receive the