Anna Mae Hays

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BGEN Anna Mae Hays (2) (cropped)

First female U.S. Army general

Native name
Birth name
Other name(s)
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Born	(1920-02-16)February 16, 1920 Buffalo, New York
Disappeared
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Died	January 7, 2018(2018-01-07) (aged 97) Washington, D.C.
Cause of death
Buried

Anna Mae Hays (February 16, 1920 – January 7, 2018) was a United States Army officer who served as the 13th Chief of the United States Army Nurse Corps. She holds the distinction of being the first woman in the United States Armed Forces to be promoted to the rank of Brigadier General.

Early Life and Education

Anna Mae Violet McCabe was born in Buffalo, New York, and raised in Allentown, Pennsylvania. She graduated from the Allentown Hospital School of Nursing in 1941 and later earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Education from Columbia University in 1958.

Military Career

Hays joined the United States Army Nurse Corps in 1942 during World War II. She served in India during the war, providing critical care to soldiers in the China-Burma-India theater. After the war, she continued her service, participating in the Korean War and later the Vietnam War.

In 1967, Hays was appointed Chief of the Army Nurse Corps. During her tenure, she worked to improve the conditions and professional status of nurses in the military. She was instrumental in the establishment of the Army Nurse Corps' first advanced degree program.

On June 11, 1970, Hays was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General, becoming the first woman in the U.S. Armed Forces to achieve this rank. She retired from the Army in 1971 after 29 years of service.

Awards and Honors

Throughout her distinguished career, Hays received numerous awards, including the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Army Commendation Medal. In recognition of her contributions, she was inducted into the U.S. Army Women's Foundation Hall of Fame.

Later Life and Legacy

After retiring from the military, Hays continued to advocate for the nursing profession and women's rights. She passed away on January 7, 2018, in Washington, D.C., at the age of 97.

Anna Mae Hays' legacy is remembered for her groundbreaking achievements and her dedication to improving the standards and recognition of military nurses.

See Also

• United States Army Nurse Corps
• Women in the military
• Military nursing