Women in the U.S. Military: From the Revolutionary War to Modern Times

The history of women serving in the United States military is as rich and complex as that of the nation itself. From the early days of the American Revolution to present-day endeavors, women have played crucial roles in various capacities within the armed forces. This article explores the evolution of women's involvement in the military, highlighting key historical figures and milestones.

The Early Days: Women in the Military Since the Revolutionary War

It might come as a surprise to some, but women have been serving in the military since the very beginnings of the United States. During the Revolutionary War, women like Margaret Corbin fought alongside their male counterparts. Margaret Corbin, a skilled artillery operator, manned her deceased husband's cannon during the Battle of Fort Necessity. Her bravery and dedication are now honored with a memorial in Upper Manhattan. This early example set the stage for future generations of women to serve in the military.

WWI: The Dawn of Modern Military Women

While women had been involved in the military in various capacities prior to WWI, it wasn’t until this time that they began to fill official roles. During the First World War, many women enlisted as Army nurses to help care for wounded soldiers. However, the first woman to officially serve in the armed forces, other than as a nurse, was Loretta Perfectus Walsh. Commissioned on March 21, 1917, as a Cryptanalyst (later known as a Cryptologist) in the Naval Reserves, she is credited as the first woman to hold a position in the U.S. Military.

The First Female Active-Duty Soldier (1861)

Kady Bownell, a young woman from Rhode Island, volunteered for active duty with the Olney-Bn-1-Varnum Regiment of the Black Union Army during the Civil War. She stood as the first female officially serving in the U.S. Military in her active-duty capacity. Kady, a white woman, joined the unit with her black husband, and she served throughout the entire conflict from 1861 to 1865. Her bravery and service have a lasting legacy in the U.S. military history.

Breaking Barriers: The First Female Pilots

The early 20th century saw women break into a previously male-dominated field. Blanche Stuart Scott is often credited as the first female pilot, though her claim is contested. In 1910, Scott took flight in a Curtiss Airplane, an achievement witnessed by 10,000 spectators. Even with the controversy surrounding the precise event, Scott’s story highlights the pioneering spirit and determination of early female flyers. Bessica Raiche also claimed to be the first female pilot, with the Aero Club of America confirming her solo flight on September 16, 1910.

Modern Milestones: Ruth Law and Florence Blanchfield

Ruth Law, born in 1891, is celebrated as the first woman to be legally recognized as wearing a military uniform. She bought her first airplane from Orville Wright in 1912 and went on to perform many impressive feats, including a loop-the-loop demonstration in front of an audience of 10,000. During World War I, she served in Europe and later enlisted as a recruiting officer in the U.S. Aviation Corps, focusing on recruiting male pilots.

General Eisenhower appointed Florence Blanchfield to the rank of LTC O5 in the active-Army, making her the first woman in U.S. military history to hold a permanent officer rank. In 1947, she became the first U.S. female officer serving as Chief of the Army Nurse Corps (ANS). Throughout her career, she advocated for the passage of the Army-Navy Nurse Act of 1947, which paved the way for women to climb the ranks within the military. Blanchfield’s efforts culminated in her receiving the Florence Nightingale Medal in 1951, another significant milestone in military history.

Legacy

The history of women in the U.S. military is one of resilience and determination. From the early days of the Revolutionary War to the modern era, women have consistently fought for equal rights and recognition within the armed forces. Figures like Margaret Corbin, Loretta Perfectus Walsh, Kady Bownell, Blanche Stuart Scott, Ruth Law, and Florence Blanchfield have paved the way for future generations. Their bravery and sacrifices continue to inspire and shape the future of the U.S. military.