Anna Mae Hays was a trailblazing figure in the United States Armed Forces, rising through the ranks to become the first woman to be promoted to the rank of brigadier general. Her remarkable journey is a testament to her resilience, dedication, and vision for equality in the military. Born in a time when opportunities for women were limited, she broke barriers and redefined the role of women in the military, especially within the Army Nurse Corps. This blog delves into her life story, from her humble beginnings to her groundbreaking achievements.
Early Life and Struggles: Born on February 16, 1920, in Buffalo, New York, Anna Mae Hays (née McCabe) grew up in a family committed to service, with both parents serving as officers in The Salvation Army. The McCabe family moved frequently across Western New York and the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania, eventually settling in Allentown when Anna was 12. Despite her musical talents and aspirations of attending Juilliard School, financial constraints led her to pursue nursing, a decision that would chart the course of her illustrious career.
After graduating with honors from Allentown High School in 1938, Anna enrolled at the Allentown General Hospital School of Nursing, completing her diploma in 1941. Nursing, though a noble profession, was not without its challenges. At the time, it was seen as a traditional path for women, often overshadowed by gender-based stereotypes and limited prospects for advancement. Anna would soon defy these limitations.
Military Enlistment and Heroics: In 1942, during World War II, Hays enlisted in the Army Nurse Corps and was soon deployed to India in 1943. Serving in the primitive conditions of the 20th Field Hospital in Assam, Hays and her fellow nurses worked in challenging environments plagued by dysentery, leeches, and monsoons. Yet, she persevered, earning a promotion to first lieutenant by April 1945.
Her wartime service was far from over. In 1950, during the Korean War, Hays was deployed to Inchon, where conditions were even more challenging. The cold temperatures, lack of supplies, and overwhelming number of patients were met with the same determination and professionalism she had shown during World War II. Hays and her team treated over 25,000 patients during their time in Korea, embodying the heroism that would later define her military career.
Defining Moment: Hays’ defining moment came in 1970 when she became the first woman in U.S. military history to be promoted to brigadier general. The ceremony, held on June 11, 1970, and officiated by Army Chief of Staff General William C. Westmoreland and Secretary of the Army Stanley R. Resor, was a historic moment for women in the armed forces. Hays’ promotion was not just about her personal achievement but a reflection of the countless women who had served alongside her in the Army Nurse Corps since its founding in 1901.
Her promotion symbolized progress in an era when occupational sexism was rife. Hays did not merely accept her new title; she actively sought to change military policies regarding women, advocating for equal treatment, maternity leave, and better opportunities for female service members. Her legacy of reform continues to resonate in today’s military policies.
Post-War Life and Career: After her promotion, Hays continued to serve as the chief of the Army Nurse Corps until her retirement in 1971. During the Vietnam War, she traveled to Vietnam to oversee the care and training of nurses stationed there. Her leadership and vision were instrumental in expanding nursing programs and improving the conditions for those serving in combat zones.
Her post-war contributions extended beyond military life. Hays earned a Bachelor’s degree in nursing education from Columbia University in 1958 and later, a Master of Science in Nursing from The Catholic University of America in 1968. Her academic accomplishments reflected her commitment to advancing nursing education and improving healthcare standards both within and outside the military.
Military Awards and Decorations: Throughout her career, Anna Mae Hays earned numerous accolades for her service. Her decorations included the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit with an oak leaf cluster, the Bronze Star, and the Army Commendation Medal. She also received campaign medals for her service during World War II and the Korean War, as well as the United Nations Korea Medal.
Her contributions did not go unnoticed in her hometown either. In 2015, Lehigh and Northampton counties named a bridge in her honor, and in 2020, an elementary school in Allentown was named after her, ensuring that her legacy would inspire future generations.
Conclusion: Anna Mae Hays’ journey from a small-town girl in Allentown to the first female general in U.S. military history is a story of perseverance, dedication, and groundbreaking achievements. Her legacy as a pioneer for women in the military, an advocate for equality, and a compassionate nurse continues to inspire countless individuals today. She not only shattered glass ceilings but also laid the foundation for future women in uniform to achieve greatness.