Explore Chattanooga Summer 2026

D r. Mary Edwards Walker was a Civil War doctor at a time when women were not allowed to do that job. But she did it anyway. She worked with Union soldiers, helping the wounded on battlefields and in hospitals. She often put herself in danger just to help others. She also took on another dangerous role as a spy for the Union. While moving through enemy areas to care for the sick and wounded, she gathered informa tion to help the Union Army. That work made her even more of a target. That choice came with a cost. While helping people near enemy lines, she was captured by Con federate soldiers. She was held as a prisoner of war for four months. Even then, she stayed strong. She didn’t give up. She kept her purpose.

She refused to give it back and wore it proudly for the rest of her life. Decades later, the decision was revisited. In 1977, the U.S. government under President Jim my Carter restored her Medal of Honor after a review of her service. The Army Board for Correction of Military Records recognized that her actions met the standard of courage and sacrifice the medal represents. It was a correction of the record, but more importantly, it was a recognition of what had always been true. Her story matters because of how she lived. She saw people who needed help, and she stepped in—showing courage, commitment, and selfless service. These are the same qualities that define every Medal of Honor recipient. You can see her story at the National Medal of Honor Heritage

In 1865, she was given the Medal of Honor—the highest award in the United States military. She is still the only woman to ever receive it. This part of history connects to Chattanooga, where the Medal of Honor first began during the Civil War. Years later, her medal was taken away by the U.S. Army. In 1917, a review board looked at past Medal of Honor awards and decided that only soldiers who were officially enlisted or commis sioned could receive it. Because Dr. Walker was a civilian contract surgeon, her medal was rescinded even though her service had never been questioned.

Center in downtown Chattanooga. Her exhibit shows that the Medal of Honor is really about people behind the award and the ac tions they take toward becoming Americans worthy of the nation’s highest honor for Valor. Opened in February 2020, the Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center is situated in the heart of the birthplace of the Medal of Honor —Chattanooga, Tennessee. Located on the plaza next to the TN Aquarium. Open Monday-Saturday 9am 5pm, Sunday 10am-3:30pm. PH: 423-877-2525. For additional information visit mohhc.org.

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