When you think of a soldier…who do you picture? A woman in uniform may not always be your first thought. You may be surprised to learn that nearly 16% of military personnel are women, yet the accomplishments of these brave ladies so often go unnoticed versus those of their male counterparts. In honor of Women's History Month, we invite you to learn more about the fearless female soldiers who challenged the status quo.
General Ann E. Dunwoody
Anne E. Dunwoody burst through the glass ceiling when she became the first woman in the U.S. military and uniformed service history to achieve a four-star officer rank. General Dunwoody frequently says she considers herself, first and foremost, a soldier, and in 2008, was nominated by President George W. Bush to be elevated to Commanding General, United States Army Materiel Command. She served in that capacity until her retirement from the service in August, 2012.
Dunwoody started her esteemed military career in 1974 at Fort Sill, Oklahoma – a place you can learn more about with a visit to IHG® Army Hotels Comanche House, a Historia Collection™ hotel. The on-post hotel offers quick access to Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum and access to a guided tour that covers the decorated history of the U.S. military, Indian Wars, and Apache leader Geronimo.
Second Lieutenant Elsie S. Ott
Elsie S. Ott was the first woman in history to receive the prestigious United States Air Medal for her role in pioneering the arduous task of military casualty air evacuation. This type of evacuation previously could only be done by ship and took upwards of three months to complete. The air evacuation cut that time down to just one week.
Ott had never even been on a plane when she received 24-hours notice that she would need to serve as an on-flight nurse for five soldiers during this venture. Ott had the foresight to take diligent notes for the success of future evacuation flights, including the need for more oxygen and blankets. Her bravery and forethought would influence the procedures and protocols necessary for successful air evacuations and would help save the lives of thousands of wounded soldiers. Ott eventually earned Captain status and was discharged from the military in 1946.
Colonel Ruby Bradley
As one of the most dedicated women in military history, Colonel Ruby Bradley was a United States Army Nurse Corps officer who served in World War II and the Korean War. Bradley was tragically taken captive by Japanese troops while serving in the Philippines, and yet, her desire to serve persisted. She was instrumental in establishing sterilization protocols, assisting in births and major surgeries for her fellow prisoners, and providing care for the children of the prison camp, ultimately earning the nickname "angel in fatigues" by her fellow prisoners.
Even after her release, Bradley continued dedicating her life to the military. She served a total of 30 years and was the third woman in U.S. history to be promoted to Colonel.
Colonel Eileen Collins
Former NASA astronaut and U.S. Air Force Colonel Eileen Marie Collins holds the distinct honor of being the first female commander of a space shuttle. Collins started her career as one of four women selected for the undergraduate pilot training program at Vance Air Force Base. She later became the second woman to attend the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School before being selected as an astronaut in 1990.
Today, Collins is retired but continues serving as an inspiration for women everywhere.
Harriet Tubman
The world knows Harriet Tubman as a fearless freedom fighter who helped slaves escape servitude along the Underground Railroad. However, Tubman was also a Union Army nurse, cook, and a daring spy during the Civil War era. She even recruited former slaves to uncover rebel camps and observe Confederate troops. Tubman was also a skilled herbalist who relied on the roots and herbs she knew from her childhood in Maryland to help save many lives.
If you're visiting Maryland, head to Fort Meade and stay at the on-post Candlewood Suites® Building 4690 to enjoy a complimentary hot breakfast, laundry, and rooms with fully equipped kitchens. The property is less than two hours away from the Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center, where you can learn more about Tubman's remarkable life and service in the military.
Rear Admiral Grace Hopper
Despite being rejected from the U.S. Navy due to being too old to enlist at age 34, Grace Hopper served in the reserves and earned the nickname "Amazing Grace." She broke expectations set upon women when she became one of the first programmers of the Harvard Mark I computer, and helped revolutionize military technology by developing computer programming language that was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.
The U.S. Navy destroyer USS Hopper was also named in her honor.
Sergeant Bea Arthur
Bea Arthur may have spent over 60 years as an entertainer, but the two and half years before her journey into the limelight was spent with the U.S. Marine corps.
At a time when it was highly unusual for women to enlist in the military, Arthur worked as a truck driver and typist and, according to her file, was "argumentative" and known for her "meticulous good taste". She left the Marines as a sergeant with ambitious plans to study drama. The rest is history.
We invite you to Observe Women's History Month by honoring our nation’s bravest and boldest female soldiers. Visit your favorite military museum to learn more about their stories, and share them with the other brave and bold women in your life to honor the past and inspire the future of women in the military.