The Strange Case of Mary Walker's Medal of Honor
Dr. Mary Edwards Walker remains a singular figure in American history. Not only was she the only woman to ever receive the Medal of Honor, but she was also a physician, a suffragist, and a prisoner of war. Her bravery on the battlefield during the Civil War is undeniable. However, the question that often arises is: why did Mary Walker *lose* her Medal of Honor? The answer is as complex and fascinating as the woman herself, and it involves a peculiar twist of bureaucratic oversight and a posthumous correction.
Who Was Dr. Mary Walker?
Before delving into the loss of her medal, it's crucial to understand who Dr. Mary Walker was. Born in Oswego, New York, in 1832, she defied societal norms from a young age. She pursued a medical education at Syracuse Medical College, graduating in 1855 – a remarkable achievement for a woman in that era. When the Civil War broke out, she was determined to serve her country.
Her Service During the Civil War
Dr. Walker volunteered as a nurse for the Union Army. However, she wasn't content with simply tending to the wounded behind the lines. She desired a commission and wanted to actively participate in medical care on or near the front lines. Her persistence eventually paid off, and she was appointed as a "Contract Surgeon" for the Army of the Cumberland.
Her duties were often dangerous. She tended to wounded soldiers under fire, and on April 10, 1864, she was captured by Confederate forces near Rome, Georgia. She spent four months as a prisoner of war, enduring harsh conditions, before being released in a prisoner exchange. Throughout her captivity and her service, she was known for her distinctive attire – often wearing men's clothing, including trousers and a coat, which she claimed was more practical for her work and for traversing the battlefield.
The Awarding of the Medal of Honor
It was for her extraordinary bravery, particularly her actions at the First Battle of Chickamauga, that Dr. Walker was recommended for and awarded the Medal of Honor. The official citation, though issued years later, details her dedication:
"While the smoke of battle was rolling heavily around her, she crossed under fire to occupy a position in the front line to administer aid to the wounded, and continued her humane work until the enemy charged and took her prisoner."
President Andrew Johnson personally presented her with the Medal of Honor on November 11, 1865. She was, at that time, the only woman to have ever received this highest military honor.
The Removal of Her Medal
So, why the question of her *losing* it? The answer lies not in any wrongdoing on Dr. Walker's part, but in a later governmental action. In 1917, as part of a review of Medal of Honor awards, the War Department created a board to re-evaluate eligibility criteria. This board, it's important to note, was established *after* Dr. Walker's death in 1919.
The board reviewed all awarded Medals of Honor. In the case of Dr. Mary Walker, they decided that her service, while exceptionally brave, did not strictly meet the criteria for the Medal of Honor as it had evolved by 1917. Specifically, the criteria increasingly emphasized direct combat action and facing the enemy head-on. While her bravery under fire was clear, the board considered her a civilian contract surgeon, not a commissioned officer in direct combat. As a result, her name was among a group of nearly 900 individuals who were removed from the Medal of Honor roll. Her medal was, in effect, rescinded.
A Posthumous Restoration
The story, however, doesn't end there. The decision to revoke Dr. Walker's Medal of Honor sparked controversy and has continued to be a point of discussion. Many felt it was a grave injustice to a woman who had demonstrated such remarkable courage and dedication.
Years later, in 1977, Dr. Mary Walker's Medal of Honor was posthumously restored. President Jimmy Carter signed legislation that reinstated her award, acknowledging the exceptional nature of her service and the changing understanding of her contributions. This restoration was a recognition that the initial decision was a bureaucratic error, failing to fully appreciate the unique circumstances of her service and the valor she displayed.
Why Did Mary Walker Lose Her Medal of Honor? The Concise Answer
Dr. Mary Walker did not technically "lose" her Medal of Honor due to any personal failing or misconduct. Her medal was revoked in 1917 by a War Department board reviewing award eligibility criteria. The board determined that, based on the evolved criteria of the time, her service as a civilian contract surgeon did not strictly qualify for the Medal of Honor, even though she received it for extraordinary bravery during the Civil War. However, her medal was posthumously restored in 1977 by President Jimmy Carter, correcting what was widely seen as a bureaucratic oversight.
A Legacy of Courage
Dr. Mary Walker's life and the convoluted history of her Medal of Honor serve as a powerful reminder of the complexities of military recognition and the enduring spirit of those who serve. Her story continues to inspire, a testament to her unwavering commitment to her country and her unwavering belief in her own capabilities, regardless of societal expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How was Mary Walker's Medal of Honor revoked?
Mary Walker's Medal of Honor was revoked in 1917 by a War Department board. This board was established to review all Medal of Honor recipients based on updated eligibility criteria. The board concluded that her service, while courageous, did not precisely fit the later established requirements for the award, specifically concerning direct combat roles and commissioned status.
Why did the government revoke Dr. Walker's Medal of Honor?
The government revoked Dr. Walker's Medal of Honor because a review board in 1917 determined that her service as a civilian contract surgeon, despite her bravery and capture, did not meet the more stringent criteria for the Medal of Honor that had developed since the Civil War. The focus had shifted towards direct combat action by military personnel.
When was Mary Walker's Medal of Honor restored?
Mary Walker's Medal of Honor was posthumously restored on July 26, 1977. President Jimmy Carter signed the legislation that reinstated her award, acknowledging the exceptional nature of her wartime service and recognizing the earlier decision as an error.
Did Mary Walker ever know her medal was revoked?
No, Mary Walker did not know her Medal of Honor was revoked. She passed away in 1919, and the revocation by the War Department board occurred in 1917. Therefore, she was unaware of the official removal of her award during her lifetime.
