Quick BIO

This painting of Dr. Walker hangs in the Medical Museum of the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology in Washington, D.C.

Mary Edwards Walker was born on November 26, 1832 in Oswego, NY. Her family was ahead of their time in equal rights for women. Considered a rebel in her time, she refused to wear women's clothing.

In 1853, Walker entered Central Medical College in Syracuse, NY. She received her medical degree in 1855 and opened up her practice a year later in Rome, NY.

Walker married fellow classmate, Dr. Albert Miller, but kept her maiden name throughout her life.

She received the Medal of Honor in 1865 for serving as a Contract Acting Assistant Surgeon (civilian) in the U.S. ARMY.

Her medal was revoked during the Purge of 1917, along with 910 others, but she refused to give it up and kept it until her death on February 21, 1919.

58 years later, President Carter reinstated her medal.

-Profile by Jennifer L. Blanchard

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