We Were Always There II

African American women have long been pillars of strength in the U.S. military, contributing to the nation's defense since the earliest conflicts. Harriet Tubman, lauded for her bravery on the Underground Railroad, also served as a spy and scout during the Civil War, gathering critical intelligence for the Union Army. Cathay Williams, defying the societal confines of her time, became the first African American woman to enlist in the U.S. Army, cleverly disguised as a man. Meanwhile, Susie King Taylor offered her skills as a nurse and educator, providing indispensable support to soldiers during the Civil War and becoming the first African American woman to publish her memoirs of war experiences. These women supported military efforts and challenged the injustices of their era, laying a foundation for future generations of African American women in the military. During World War II, African American women continued to break new ground with the establishment of the "Six Triple Eight" batt