Anna Mae Hays, American general
Brigadier General Anna Mae Violet Hays (née McCabe; February 16, 1920 – January 7, 2018) was a truly groundbreaking American military officer, whose distinguished career culminated in her service as the 13th Chief of the United States Army Nurse Corps. Her leadership tenure was marked by a historic achievement that profoundly reshaped the landscape for women in uniform: in 1970, she became one of the first two women in the United States Armed Forces to be promoted to a General Officer rank, achieving the prestigious rank of brigadier general.
This pivotal promotion, alongside Brigadier General Elizabeth P. Hoisington, occurred on June 11, 1970, making them the first women in the U.S. Army to attain general officer rank. Hays's trailblazing efforts went far beyond her rank; she dedicated her career to advocating for the equal treatment of women within the military, actively countering occupational sexism, and championing a number of progressive recommendations. These vital proposals were subsequently accepted and integrated into military policy, leaving an enduring legacy for generations of women service members.
A Pioneering Career in Military Nursing
Born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Anna Mae Hays's journey of service began even before the landmark promotion that defined her later career. She joined the U.S. Army Nurse Corps (ANC) in 1942, during the tumultuous years of World War II. The ANC, established in 1901, is a specialized corps dedicated to providing comprehensive nursing care to military personnel and their families, both stateside and overseas. Her early assignments included serving in India during World War II and later in Korea during the Korean War, experiences that provided her with invaluable insights into the realities of military life and the critical need for robust healthcare.
Hays ascended through the ranks due to her exceptional dedication and leadership, eventually becoming the 13th Chief of the Army Nurse Corps in 1967. In this influential role, she oversaw the professional development and operational deployment of thousands of military nurses, guiding the corps through significant periods of change, including the Vietnam War. Her commitment to excellence and the well-being of her fellow service members laid the foundation for her later advocacy work.
Shattering Barriers: The First Female General Officers
The year 1970 marked an indelible moment in U.S. military history when Anna Mae Hays and Elizabeth P. Hoisington simultaneously received their promotions to brigadier general. This unprecedented event, personally approved by President Richard Nixon, dismantled a long-standing barrier that had prevented women from reaching the highest echelons of military leadership. For Hays, this promotion was not merely a personal achievement but a powerful symbol of progress for all women serving in the armed forces. It signified a recognition of women's capabilities and their essential contributions to national defense, challenging the deeply entrenched gender norms of the era.
Championing Equality and Modernizing Military Policy
As a senior leader, Brigadier General Hays leveraged her position to actively address and rectify systemic issues that disadvantaged women in the military. She was a vocal advocate for reforms that aimed to create a more equitable environment for female service members. Among her most significant contributions were her efforts to counter occupational sexism, which manifested in various restrictive policies and cultural biases. Her recommendations led to crucial changes, including:
- Eliminating Mandatory Discharge for Pregnancy: Prior to Hays's efforts, female service members who became pregnant were often mandatorily discharged from service. She championed a policy change that allowed women to remain in the military, recognizing their right to serve while also supporting their family lives. This was a monumental shift that retained valuable talent and skills within the armed forces.
- Allowing Married Women to Serve: Similarly, policies often discriminated against married women or those with dependents, limiting their opportunities or even precluding their service. Hays advocated for reforms that allowed married women and women with children to serve in the Army Nurse Corps, recognizing that marital status or motherhood should not be a barrier to military service.
- Expanding Professional Opportunities: She worked to broaden the scope of duties and career advancement opportunities for women, particularly within the nursing profession, pushing for their inclusion in roles and assignments traditionally reserved for men.
These policy changes were not merely administrative adjustments; they represented fundamental shifts in military culture, reflecting a growing recognition of gender equality and the value of diversity. Her work helped to dismantle institutionalized sexism, creating a more inclusive and professional environment for women who wished to dedicate their lives to military service.
A Lasting Legacy of Leadership and Empowerment
Brigadier General Anna Mae Hays's impact extends far beyond her own lifetime. Her courage, vision, and unwavering commitment to equality paved the way for countless women to pursue fulfilling careers in the military, reach higher ranks, and assume leadership roles that were once unimaginable. She demonstrated that women were not only capable but indispensable to the strength and effectiveness of the United States Armed Forces. Her legacy continues to inspire those who strive for a military that truly reflects the diversity and talent of the nation it serves, ensuring that competence and commitment, not gender, define opportunity and advancement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brigadier General Anna Mae Hays
- Who was Brigadier General Anna Mae Hays?
- Brigadier General Anna Mae Hays was an American military officer who served as the 13th Chief of the United States Army Nurse Corps and was one of the first two women in the U.S. Armed Forces to be promoted to a general officer rank in 1970.
- When was Anna Mae Hays promoted to brigadier general?
- Anna Mae Hays was promoted to brigadier general on June 11, 1970, simultaneously with Brigadier General Elizabeth P. Hoisington.
- What significant changes did Anna Mae Hays help implement in the military?
- Hays championed policies that countered occupational sexism, including allowing married women and women with children to serve, and ending the mandatory discharge for pregnant service members. These changes significantly improved the equal treatment and opportunities for women in the military.
- What was the United States Army Nurse Corps (ANC)?
- The Army Nurse Corps is a specialized corps within the U.S. Army responsible for providing comprehensive nursing care to military personnel and their families. It was established in 1901.
- What is Anna Mae Hays's lasting legacy?
- Her lasting legacy is her role in paving the way for gender equality in the U.S. military, breaking barriers for women in leadership, and implementing policy changes that profoundly improved the careers and lives of women in the armed forces.