Women Veterans Day is right around the corner, and we want to sound off and send a shout out to all women Veterans who have served in the U.S. military!

This day commemorates the signing of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act by President Harry S. Truman on June 12, 1948, which granted women the right to serve as permanent, regular members of the military. Consequently, this landmark legislation was a turning point, and it paved the way for millions of women to serve with honor and distinction.

From the first pioneers who took bold steps into a male-dominated field, to the fearless leaders who laid a solid foundation for future women Service Members, their stories deserve to be told.

This article memorializes 7 women Veterans who paved the way for future generations by achieving historic firsts in the U.S. military. As trailblazers, their accomplishments left a lasting impact, and they forged a path for women in uniform across all branches of service for generations.

They were first—but never forgotten.

# 1 The First Woman to Officially Enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces: Loretta Walsh

Women have been an indispensable force in the U.S. military for more than two centuries. During early conflicts, they served as nurses, cooks, and support staff. Their contributions date back to the American Revolution, where some women even disguised themselves as men to fight on the battlefield.

However, records from the U.S. Department of Defense indicate the first woman to officially enlist in the U.S. military in a non-nursing role was Loretta Perfectus Walsh. She defied societal norms when she joined the U.S. Navy on March 21, 1917.

Her enlistment came at a crucial time—World War I was escalating, and the Navy needed personnel to support operations. Walsh and other women who joined were known as Yeoman or “Yeomanettes.” Primarily, they served in clerical and administrative roles, and by the end of the war, more than 11,000 women enlisted in the Navy.

Walsh became the Navy’s first female Chief Petty Officer and set the stage for other women to follow in her footsteps and join the enlisted ranks.

# 2 The First (and Only) Woman to Receive the Medal of Honor: Dr. Mary Edwards Walker

The Congressional Medal of Honor is the highest and most prestigious military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is granted to Service Members who demonstrate extraordinary valor in combat.

In fact, fewer than 4,000 Service Members have been awarded the Medal of Honor in the history of the United States and only one woman has ever achieved this distinction—Dr. Mary Edwards Walker.

Dr. Walker was a Civil War surgeon, an abolitionist, and a women’s rights advocate. She volunteered as a field surgeon during the war and was captured by Confederate forces while treating wounded civilians.

After being released during a prisoner exchange, Dr. Walker continued her service. In 1865, she received the Medal of Honor for her dedication to treating soldiers and civilians. Her medal was rescinded in 1917 when the criteria for receiving the award changed, but it was restored in 1977.

# 3 The First Woman to Join the United States Marine Corps: Opha May Johnson

The United States Marine Corps (USMC) has a reputation as one of the most elite and formidable fighting forces in the world. It also has a reputation for being a “brotherhood.” Thus, Opha May Johnson showed incredible bravery when she enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserves and became the first woman Marine in 1918.

According to the National Museum of the Marine Corps, Johnson served as a clerk at Headquarters Marine Corps. She made $30 per month with a $15 per month housing allotment. She was responsible for managing records for all female Marine Reservists. Johnson reached the rank of Sergeant, becoming the highest-ranking female Marine at the time of her enlistment.

Today, Opha May Johnson remains a symbol of pride and inspiration for tens of thousands of women Marines and Veterans. Her groundbreaking enlistment paved the way for generations of women to serve in the Marine Corps with honor and distinction.

# 4 The First Woman Four-Star General in U.S. History: Ann E. Dunwoody

After 33 years of service in the U.S. Army, General Ann E. Dunwoody (Ret.) made U.S. military history when she achieved the rank of four-star General on November 14, 2008. Until her promotion, there had yet to be a woman four-star General in any branch of service.

Dunwoody led the Army Materiel Command, one of the largest logistics commands in the military. Headquartered at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, AMC manages the Army’s global supply chain, overseeing logistics, sustainment, and equipment readiness.

Dunwoody retired in 2012, and after 38 years of service, she left behind a legacy that will never be forgotten. After retiring, she authored the book A Higher Standard: Leadership Strategies from America’s First Female Four-Star General, sharing insights from her career.

Since Dunwoody, as of 2025, there have been at least seven female four-star Generals in the Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard and Space Force. The Marine Corps has yet to promote a woman to this rank.

# 5 The First Woman to Fly an Official U.S. Combat Mission: Kimberly “Face” Dyson

On November 15, 1994, U.S. Navy Lieutenant Kimberly “Face” Dyson made U.S. military history when she became the first female pilot to fly an official combat mission.

Dyson took off from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in an F/A-18C Hornet during Operation Southern Watch, which enforced no-fly zones in Iraq following the 1991 Gulf War.

Dyson was part of a pioneering group of woman pilots aboard the USS Eisenhower, which was the very first U.S. aircraft carrier to operate with a gender-integrated crew.

Alongside her were fellow aviators Sharon “Pinto” Deegan, Joy “Trigger” Dean, Lisa “KP” Kirkpatrick, and Lynne Fowler, who flew combat missions in 1994 and 1995 for Southern Watch and Operation Deny Flight over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Despite the significance of their achievements, their names remained largely unknown for almost 30 years, until the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum recognized their contributions in 2023.

#6 The First Woman Service Member to Have a U.S. Naval Vessel Named After Her: Lenah H. Sutcliffe Higbee

According to The Naval History and Heritage Command, U.S. Navy Chief Nurse Lenah H. Sutcliffe Higbee became one of the first 20 nurses in the newly-formed Navy Nurse Corps (commonly referred to as The Sacred Twenty) on October 1, 1908.

Hence, she was the first living woman to receive the Navy Cross for her exceptional service during World War I. (Three nurses were posthumously awarded the Navy Cross before Higbee.)

The Navy Cross is the second-highest military decoration awarded by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, just below the Medal of Honor. To earn this prestigious award, a Service Member must demonstrate extraordinary heroism in combat.  

Because of her significant contributions, the USS Higbee (DD-806), a Gearing-class destroyer, was commissioned in 1945, making it the first combat ship named after a female member of the naval services. The USS Higbee was named the “Leaping Lenah.”

Nicknamed “Leaping Lenah,” the USS Higbee served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, earning multiple battle stars. She was later sunk as a target in 1986. Her legacy lives on, however, because in 2023, the USS Lenah H. Sutcliffe Higbee (DDG-123), an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, was also commissioned in her honor.

# 7 The First Woman Officially Assigned a Combat Role in the U.S. Military: Linda Bray

In 1989, during the U.S. invasion of Panama, U.S. Army Captain Linda Bray led military police troops in combat, making history as the first known woman to command troops in battle.

Bray commanded the 988th Military Police Company and was tasked with securing a Panamanian Defense Forces facility. A three-hour battle ensued, resulting in three enemy casualties and one captured prisoner. In recognition of her bravery, Bray was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with “V” device for valor.

The Bronze Star Medal is awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces for heroic or meritorious achievement or service in a combat zone. It is one of the most prestigious military decorations a Service Member can receive.

For decades, women were primarily limited to support positions while serving in the military. Bray’s leadership sparked discussions about women’s roles in combat, later influencing policy changes.

The most significant shift came in 2013, when the combat exclusion ban was lifted, officially allowing women to serve in infantry, armor, special operations, and aviation roles. Since then, women have fought in key conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other regions, proving their ability to lead and perform in high-pressure combat environments.

Today’s Women Veterans – A Force to Be Reckoned With

In conclusion, and in honor of Women Veterans Day, you have been introduced to seven iconic women Veterans who secured their place in U.S. military history as firsts. These trailblazers paved the way for millions of women to follow in their footsteps. Once far and few between, women Veterans are now a force to be reckoned with.

According to the US Department of Veterans Affairs, there are about 2 million living U.S. women Veterans. This means women currently making up approximately 10 percent of the U.S. Veteran population, which is up from just 4 percent in 2000. It is projected that by 2040, 18 percent of all Veterans will be women. This makes them the fastest-growing group of Veterans in the country.

The contributions of women in the military extend far beyond their time in uniform. Many go on to lead in business, government, healthcare, and education, ensuring that future generations of Service Members have even greater opportunities.

Let’s honor and uplift the women who have served our country. If you know a woman Veteran, take a moment to thank her for her service!

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