Dr. Mary Walker Wearing CMOH, CDV by Brady

CDV of Mary Walker standing in a studio, dressed in both a skirt and trousers, proudly wearing her Medal of Honor. M.B. Brady & Co.: Washington, DC, 1865. Brady's imprint on recto and verso.

An 1855 graduate of Syracuse Medical College, Mary Walker (1832-1919) was an author and early feminist who gained distinction during the Civil War as a humanitarian, surgeon and spy. Walker was actually appointed surgeon of the 52nd OVI in 1863 by General Thomas in recognition of her skills and was captured in 1864 and ultimately exchanged for a Confederate officer "man for man." She was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor in January 1866 on the personal recommendation of General Sherman and refused to part with it when it was revoked for "unusual circumstances" in 1917. Dr. Walker died in 1919 and it was not until 1977 that President Carter officially reinstated the award.
Condition Report: Photograph retains rich tones, and is in very fine to near excellent condition. Minor surface soiling. Image appears to have been placed over another picture, likely done at the time it was produced. Slight crease at the base of the picture where you can see bottom of underlaying picture. Minor loss to top left corner of mount (visible on mount verso).