When we picture troops on the battlefield, most of us imagine men. But throughout U.S. military history, women have served with extraordinary courage and distinction. Not only have they overcome combat dangers, but they’ve soared through red tape to do so. These women demonstrated leadership and resilience in a variety of instances, from combat zones to critical support roles, all while under fire in one way or another. For much of history, their contributions went underrecognized. Their achievements are all the more remarkable given the obstacles they faced.
Examining the most decorated female heroes in U.S. military history reveals some incredibly strong and capable women. These individuals exuded a level of bravery and skill that earned them the nation’s highest honors. Though their stories span different wars, roles, and time periods, each woman showed a deep commitment to service and sacrifice. By honoring these trailblazing women, we gain a fuller understanding of American military history and the important role women have played in it.
24/7 Tempo has put together a list that recognizes the highest decorated female members of the U.S. military. We consulted websites of each branch of the American military, the website for the National World War II Museum as well as websites and blogs.
Mary Walker
- Medals awarded: Medal of Honor
- Military branch: Army
- War: Civil War
Beatrice MacDonald
- Medals awarded: Distinguished Service Cross, British Military Medal, Royal Red Cross Medal 2nd Class, French Croix de Guerre, Purple Heart
- Military branch: Army
- War: World War I
Helen Grace McClelland
- Medals awarded: Distinguished Service Cross
- Military branch: Army
- War: World War I
Isabelle Stambaugh
- Medals awarded: Distinguished Service Cross, British Royal Red Cross Medal 2nd Class
- Military branch: Army
- War: World War I
Jane Jeffery
- Medals awarded: Distinguished Service Cross
- Military branch: Army
- War: World War I
Eva Jean Parmelee
- Medals awarded: Distinguished Service Cross
- Military branch: Army
- War: World War I
Lenah S. Higbee
- Medals awarded: Navy Cross
- Military branch: Navy
- War: World War I/Spanish Flu
Marie Louise Hidell
- Medals awarded: Navy Cross
- Military branch: Navy
- War: World War I/Spanish Flu
Lillian M. Murphy
- Medals awarded: Navy Cross
- Military branch: Navy
- War: World War I/Spanish Flu
Edna S. Pierce
- Medals awarded: Navy Cross
- Military branch: Navy
- War: World War I/Spanish Flu
Aleda E. Lutz
- Medals awarded: Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal four times, the Oak Leaf Cluster, The Red Cross Medal, and the Purple Heart
- Military branch: Army
- War: World War II
Roberta Schilbach Ross
- Medals awarded: Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal
- Military branch: Army
- War: World War II
Jacqueline Cochran
- Medals awarded: Distinguished Flying Cross
- Military branch: U.S. Army Air Corps
- War: World War II
Ruby Bradley
- Medals awarded: 34 medals and citations for bravery, including two Bronze stars
- Military branch: Army
- War: World War II/Korean War
Lori Hill
- Medals awarded: Distinguished Flying Cross
- Military branch: Army
- War: Iraq War
The image featured at the top of this post is ©jetcityimage / iStock Editorial via Getty Images.