American feminist, social activist, and doctor (1832–1919) who worked as the first female Army surgeon in such notable Civil War battles as First Manassas, Fredericksburg, and Chickmauga. In 1865, on the recommendation of William T. Sherman and George Thomas, she became the first (and still only) female recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor. Though her medal was one of nearly 1000 revoked in 1917 due to official changes in qualifications, it was posthumously restored by Jimmy Carter in 1977. Scarce ink signature, “Dr. Mary E. Walker, 20—2nd N.E,” on an off-white 3.25 x 2 . A hint of mild soiling, otherwise fine condition. R&R COA.
