Grayson
History’s pages are filled with tales of courage and sacrifice, but some of the most extraordinary stories remain hidden in plain sight. In this case, we’re talking about these 15 brave women who risked their lives under the guise of being a man to serve and protect their nation.
Joan of Arc
Joan led French armies to victory during the Hundred Years’ War, disguising her gender beneath armor. Regardless, Joan met intense scrutiny and accusations of witchcraft, ultimately burning at the stake for her actions. Today, her unwavering faith and military prowess continues to inspire a nation, and she remains a symbol of French unity and female empowerment.
Hua Mulan
Though her historicity is debated, Mulan’s story has motivated countless generations. It challenged traditional gender roles in Chinese society, especially after she took her father’s place in the army and fought for 12 years without saying her true identity. The Chinese hero, fortunately, overcame the physical demands of military requirements and the constant fear of discovery.
Deborah Sampson
Not many people know about Deborah Sampson, the woman who enlisted in the Continental Army as “Robert Shurtleff” and served for over a year before her gender was revealed. On multiple occasions, Deborah faced near-discovery, which resulted in removing a musket ball from her thigh to avoid medical examination.
Albert Cashier
Born Jennie Hodgers, Cashier joined the Union Army and continued living as a man for decades after the war. When the government uncovered her true identity, it resulted in her institutionalization. Cashier’s tale highlights the complex interplay between gender identity and expectations in 19th-century America.
Flora Sandes
Sandes enlisted in the Serbian army and became a captain through sheer perseverance and desire. This veteran of war endured harsh conditions and sustained severe injuries. She used her autobiography and lectures to debunk British stereotypes about women’s role in combat and influenced future generations of female soldiers.
Dorothy Lawrence
Lawrence posed as a male soldier to report on World War I, lasting only ten days before turning herself in. Despite risking her life for her deception, she was haunted by the psychological consequences of her experiences. Her thwarted ambitions underscore the systemic barriers women encountered in journalism and war reporting.
Maria Quitéria
Another woman who went to great lengths to fight for Brazilian freedom is Quitéria. This lady chopped off her hair and put on man’s clothes, ready for combat. By demonstrating her value in combat, she gained respect and an officer’s rank. Her bravery paved the way for women’s inclusion in Brazil’s armed forces.
Jane Dieulafoy
Dieulafoy adopted a male dress to accompany her husband on archaeological expeditions and participated in the Franco-Prussian War. Wearing men’s clothing throughout her life, Jane altered gender norms in academia and society. Her discoveries and writings significantly contributed to the field of Persian archaeology.
Nadezhda Durova
At the height of the Napoleonic Wars, Durova fought in the Russian cavalry. Only Tsar Alexander I knew her actual identity. Returning to civilian life, she strived to assimilate into her routine, and her memoirs provided rare insights into 19th-century Russian military life from a woman’s perspective.
Hannah Snell
Following a personal tragedy, Snell joined the British Navy and served for years before disclosing her true self. She lived through grueling conditions and even a battlefield wound without discovery. Snell capitalized on her fame post-service, challenging societal expectations through public performances and a published autobiography.
Margaret Ann Bulkley
Bulkley lived her entire adult life as Dr. James Barry, becoming a renowned surgeon in the British Army. However, the endless scrutiny and rumors made her keep this secret until her death. This story raises questions about gender, identity, and the lengths some women go to pursue forbidden careers.
Viktoria Savs
During World War I, Savs served on the Italian Front; only her father and the commanding officer knew the real score. She lost a leg in combat but continued serving with many medals to her name. When her narrative was told years later, preconceptions about women’s participation in the Great War in Austria were dispelled.
Joanna Żubr
Żubr fought alongside her husband in the Napoleonic Wars, disguised as a man. After Poland’s unsuccessful revolt, she was banished despite being awarded the Virtuti Militari title. Her resilience in the face of political turmoil and discrimination exemplifies the spirit of Polish resistance.
Wanda Gertz
Among the most interesting stories is Gertz’s transition from being a Warsaw socialite to becoming a male soldier as Kazimierz’ Kazik’ Żuchowicz in World War I. She joined the Polish resistance in World War II, then coped with Nazi captivity and Soviet suspicion. Gertz earned the rank of Major in her career.
Sarah Emma Edmonds
To start a new life, Sarah Edmonds disguised herself as Franklin Thompson and ran away from an arranged marriage in Canada. During the Civil War, she enrolled in the Union Army and worked three jobs; a field nurse, postmaster, and spy. Call it a triple threat under disguise!
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