Memorial Day: Women in the Military

In honor of Memorial Day, I wanted to share a list of women who ranked highest in the U.S. military; specifically, generals or admirals. It didn't matter if they were currently serving, retired or deceased. This was going to be my way of acknowledging the women who decided to work in a very hierarchical and patriarchal environment. That is not to say that those of us who work in corporate, non-profit, or family owned businesses aren’t confronted with the same attitudes that exist in the military, but seriously, we’re not commuting to a war zone every day.

I thought it would be an easy list to complete. I was wrong. There is still only one woman who has received the rank of four star general , General Ann E. Dunwoody, but many more have obtained one, two, or three stars or flags (Navy). Many women in the military are continuing to break the mold and are being promoted to positions that  women have not held previously.

I do not blindly support wars or the military but, I believe these women should be honored for their perseverance, tenacity, courage and their decision to work in very difficult situations daily.

This is not a comprehensive list, but it’s a good starting point as we think of the women and men serving in the armed forces this Memorial Day.

Women Generals:

Ann E. Dunwoody, General, Army, 1st woman four star general

Anna Mae Hays, Brigadier General, Army, 1st woman to be promoted to general  rank

 Elizabeth P. Hoisington, Brigadier General, Army, 2nd woman promoted to general rank**

Alene Duerk, Rear Admiral, Navy
Ann E. Rondeau, Vice Admiral, Navy
Carol Mutter, Lieutenant General, Marines*
Clara Adams-Ender, General, Army*
Claudia Kennedy, Lieutenant General, Army*
Eleanor Mariano, Rear Admiral, Navy*
Fran McKee, Rear Admiral, Navy**
Grace Hopper, Rear Admiral, Navy**
Jeanne M. Holm, Major General, Air Force**
Leslie F. Kenne, Lieutenant General, Air Force*
Patricia Ann Tracey, Vice Admiral, Navy*
Susan J. Helms, Brigadier General, USAF, former astronaut
Terry Gabreski, Lieutenant General, Air Force*
Vivien S. Crea, Rear Admiral, Coast Guard*

*Retired
**Deceased

Interesting Books:

Women Warriors: A History by David E. Jones

The Girl’s Come Marching Home: Stories of women warriors returning from the war in Iraq by Kirsten A. Holmstedt

Patriots in Disguise: Women Warriors of the Civil War by Richard Hall

Moving Beyond G.I. Jane: women and the U.S. military by Sara Zeigler


I would be interested in any additional information about women in the military.