Since the American Revolution, American women have served on the front lines providing care for the nation’s soldiers. During World War I, they served as nurses, ambulance drivers, and relief workers. They also supported war efforts by volunteering in organizations such as the American Red Cross, running their own hospital units, and serving in the military as contract surgeons. During World War II, thousands of women entered industries that previously employed only men, with many enlisting in the Army as nurses to meet a critical shortage. Throughout both World Wars and in the Korean and Vietnam conflicts, women faced criticism for prioritizing service to their country over staying home to raise families. Still, women persisted and became leaders within their units and in hospitals, serving as chief nurses, educators, trainers, scientists, and medical directors.