Who is Dr. Mary Walker The 1st Woman Medal of Honor Recipient
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Dr. Mary Walker- 1st Woman Medal of Honor Winner
Much ahead of her time, Dr. Walker, in 1855, was also one of the first women in the United States to earn a medical degree.
Background
When the Civil War broke out in 1861, Dr. Walker volunteered to work on the Civil War battlefields caring for the wounded. Denied a commission as a medical officer because she was a woman, she volunteered anyway and eventually was appointed assistant surgeon of the 52nd Ohio Infantry.
Captured
Captured by the Confederates in 1864, she was exchanged only after she spent four months in a Richmond, Virginia prison.
The Early Days of Feminism
Dr. Walker lived a controversial life. She lectured throughout the United States and in Europe on women's rights, dress reform, health issues, and sexual and political equality. She tried to vote, but was turned away.
She rejected tight corsets and hooped dresses for the more practical pantsuits (pants, jackets, even a top hat) as a result she once found herself arrested in New York City for impersonating a man.
Humanitarian and Activist
She spoke against Imperialism, the Spanish-American War, and America's acquisition of colonies abroad. She worked for equal rights in all facets of life, from love and marriage to the workplace.
She was truly a Hero!
Contents at a Glance
Women of Valor
Woman of Valor Pin with Hebrew from the Artazia Collection #166 JP
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The intricate design is hand painted within the stainless steel frame. A variety of materials are delicately assembled and layered with artist resin resulting in a beautifully finished piece.
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Mary Walker in Brief
Mary Edwards Walker (November 26, 1832 ? February 21, 1919) was an American feminist, abolitionist, prohibitionist, alleged spy, prisoner of war, surgeon, and the only woman to receive the Medal of Honor.
Wise Women Celebrated
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Wise Women of the World
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Wise Women know they are the power in their lives and that they have the ability to achieve any goal they desire. Wise Women deserve respect and attention for who they are and who they inspire others to be.
More on Dr. Mary Walker
Mary Edwards Walker: Above and Beyond (American Heroes)
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Historic Print (XL): Dr. Mary Walker
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A Woman of Honor: Dr. Walker and the Civil War
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"You are not our protectors. If you were, who would there be to protect us from? -M. Walker - to men"
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Your Thoughts on Mary Walker!
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Reply
- Sparkyholden Sparkyholden May 4, 2009 @ 10:03 pm
- I enjoyed your lens. I have added it to my blogroll at http://www.squidoo.com/civilwarmedalofhonorafricanamerican. It is about the first African American, the date of whose actions, were the first to qualify for the Medal of Honor.
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Reply
- Sparkyholden Sparkyholden May 4, 2009 @ 10:03 pm
- I enjoyed your lens. I have added it to my blogroll at http://www.squidoo.com/civilwarmedalofhonorafricanamerican. It is about the first African American, the date of whose actions, were the first to qualify for the Medal of Honor.
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Reply
- Margo_Arrowsmith Margo_Arrowsmith Feb 5, 2009 @ 7:27 pm
- Well, I had no idea. Thanks for the information! and I love the quote! ***** to you
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Reply
- Jewelsofawe Jewelsofawe Dec 9, 2008 @ 11:20 am
- That is cool she recieved the medal of honor! She sounds like a pioneer for womankind. Hurray!
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