c) Confederate Hospital Matron

Sally Tompkins held a unique medical role in the Civil War as a Confederate Hospital Matron. Recognizing the need for better medical care for wounded Confederate soldiers, Tompkins established a private hospital in Richmond, Virginia. She was commissioned as a captain in the Confederate army, making her the only woman to hold a military commission in the Confederacy. Her hospital was known for its high survival rate, and Tompkins’ dedication to her patients earned her widespread respect and recognition.