“Dr. Mary Walker is the first and only woman ever to receive the Medal of Honor,” said Senator Blackburn. “As the first female U.S. Army surgeon during the Civil War, Dr. Walker blazed countless trails for American women while treating wounded soldiers in Chattanooga, serving at an orphan asylum in Clarksville, and advocating for women’s suffrage. I’m pleased the Senate passed our resolution to honor this true American hero for generations to come.”

“Dr. Mary Edwards Walker was a trailblazing surgeon, abolitionist, and suffragist. An Oswego native, she graduated with honors from Syracuse Medical College in 1855 as the only woman in her class and set up a medical practice in Rome before becoming a surgeon for the Union Army. I am proud to be introducing this resolution to honor this American hero,” said Senator Gillibrand.

“A pioneer in both medicine and women's advocacy, Dr. Mary Edwards Walker was the first female U.S. Army surgeon and the only woman to ever receive the Medal of Honor,” said Senator Collins. “From tending to the wounded across enemy lines during the American Civil War to fighting for women’s rights, her legacy continues to inspire those who seek to break barriers, challenge conventions, and dedicate themselves to the service of others.”

RESOLUTION

Honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Mary Edwards Walker

Whereas Dr. Mary Edwards Walker was born on November 26, 1832 in the Town of Oswego, New York;

Whereas Dr. Walker became the first female U.S. Army surgeon during the Civil War;

Whereas Dr. Walker decided to still serve as an unpaid volunteer surgeon at the U.S. Patent Office Hospital in Washington as she was not allowed to serve as a medical officer because she was a woman;

Whereas in 1862, Dr. Walker moved to Virginia and started treating wounded soldiers near the front lines at Fredericksburg and Chattanooga, TN;

Whereas during her work as a surgeon in the war, Dr. Walker often crossed battle lines to care for soldiers and civilians;

Whereas in September 1864, Dr. Walker was contracted as the assistant surgeon of the Ohio 52^nd Infantry;

Whereas Dr. Walker served at the Louisville Women's Prison Hospital and at an orphan asylum in Clarksville, TN;

Whereas after the war's conclusion in 1865, Dr. Walker was awarded the Medal of Honor for Meritorious Service by President Andrew Johnson; and

Whereas Dr. Walker continued to advocate for women's rights, including promoting dress reform and pushing for women's suffrage, believing strongly in the power of self-determination and equality between men and women: Now, therefore be it 

Resolved, That—

1. the Senate—

(A)    honors the life and legacy of Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, recognizing her as a trailblazer in medicine, a champion for women’s rights, and a true American hero who exemplified the ideals of service, courage, and resilience; and

(B)    commit to ensuring Dr. Walker’s story is remembered and celebrated for generations to come, inspiring others to follow in her footsteps in pursuit of justice and equality.

Click here to read the full text of the resolution.