National Medal Of Honor Day

Author: Julianna Cooper, Challenge America Program Coordinator

Medal of Honor Day, held annually on March 25, provides an opportunity for Medal of Honor Recipients, fellow Veterans, and civilians alike to pause and reflect on the importance of service and sacrifice.

The first Medal of Honor recipient was Army Private Jacob Parrott. This first Medal of Honor was awarded in 1863, as part of a Civil War mission behind enemy lines.  Since then, more than 3,500 Medals of Honor have been awarded.

In honor of March being Women’s History Month, we wanted to highlight the only woman in history to have received a Medal of Honor and tell her story - Dr. Mary Walker. 

Dr. Mary Walker was born in Oswego, New York.  She received a medical degree from Syracuse Medical College in 1855 and started a private practice.  When the Civil War broke out, she wanted to join as a surgeon, but was not permitted due to being a woman.  Because she knew she was capable of being more than a nurse, she decided to join as a volunteer surgeon in the Union Army.  After volunteering for a few years, the government accepted her credentials and she moved to Tennessee where she was appointed as a War Department Surgeon.  During her work, she was captured as a prisoner of war and kept for four months.  After her release, she moved to Kentucky and worked as the medical director for a hospital for female prisoners.

In 1917, Dr. Mary Walker was awarded the Medal of Honor as a civilian.  Although the award was rescinded later because of the rules changing, it was reinstated by President Jimmy Carter in 1977. 

Dr. Mary Walker paved the way for women in the military as well as women in the medical field, and we honor her story and bravery here today. 

Did you know that a National Medal of Honor Museum is currently being built in Arlington, Texas?  This museum, scheduled to open in March of 2025, will “serve as the premier national institution dedicated to the stories, impact, and legacy of the service members who went on to become Medal of Honor recipients.”  To learn more about the upcoming National Medal of Honor Museum, visit their website HERE!