Who was the first woman to officially serve in the U.S. Armed Forces?

Dr. Mary Walker is recognized as the first woman to officially serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. She was a surgeon during the American Civil War and is notable not only for her contributions as a medical professional but also for her promotion of women's rights and social reforms. Her service with the 52nd New York Infantry Regiment is particularly significant, as she was appointed as a contract surgeon and thus became one of the first women to hold a position in the military.

While other women like Clara Barton were instrumental during wartime—Barton founded the American Red Cross and played a significant role in providing medical assistance—her work was mostly through civilian organizations rather than formal military service. Jane Addams was a social reformer and Nobel Peace Prize laureate whose work focused on social welfare rather than military service. Harriet Tubman, while acclaimed for her role in the Underground Railroad and her contributions to the Civil War as a spy and nurse, did not serve in an official military capacity akin to Dr. Walker. These distinctions clarify why Dr. Mary Walker is celebrated as the first woman to officially serve in the military.