The Woman Who Received the Most Military Medals in History.. Who is "Milunka Savić"?

SadaNews - Women were prevented from joining the army and participating in wars for centuries, as military service was solely the domain of men. However, in the 18th and 19th centuries, these military service restrictions were eased, allowing women to serve as nurses for the army.

In the midst of these circumstances, some women managed to carry weapons and appear on the battlefronts of various regular armies, often disguising themselves as men. Historically, many names stand out for having employed this tactic. Among these figures, the Serbian Milunka Savić emerged as the most prominent woman to take up arms, ultimately becoming the most decorated woman in history during her military service and earning the title of "Serbian Joan of Arc".

Disguised as a Man

Milunka Savić was born in 1889 in the Serbian village of Koprivnica. In 1912, her brother, who was battling tuberculosis, received his military documents calling him to join the army for recruitment campaigns in preparation for the First Balkan War. Meanwhile, Milunka decided to join the army in place of her brother, assuming his identity and enlisting in military service using his documents after cutting her hair and wearing men's clothing.

Quickly, Milunka found herself at the front and participated in initial battles. Due to her bravery, she was promoted to the rank of Corporal following the battle of Kumanovo and was simultaneously awarded the Miloš Obilić Medal, representing the medal of bravery in Serbia.

During the First Balkan War, Milunka Savić sustained injuries. Upon being taken to the hospital for treatment, everyone discovered her true identity and confirmed that she was a woman disguised as a man to join the army. This incident caused astonishment among Serbian military officials, who were amazed by her achievements in the war and her ability to conceal her true identity for so long.

Numerous Medals and Years of Oblivion

With the outbreak of World War I in 1914, Milunka was allowed to fight for the Serbian army. In the battle of Kolubara against the Austrians between November and December 1914, she received the Karađorđe Star. Following the battle of Crna Bend in 1916, Milunka was awarded the Karađorđe Star II after successfully capturing 23 Bulgarian soldiers on her own. In addition to local honors, this young Serbian woman received medals from other countries; Britain awarded her the Order of St. Michael and St. George, France awarded her the Legion of Honor and the War Cross, and Russia presented her with the Order of St. George, which at the time was the highest military honor in Russia. Additionally, Milunka attained a new military rank after being promoted to sergeant.

At the end of World War I, Milunka was abandoned and dismissed from the army in 1919. Despite receiving an offer to live in France and enjoy a pension, Milunka preferred to remain in Serbia. Back in her country, she initially worked in the postal service before turning to work as a domestic helper. During her brief marriage, which ended in divorce, Milunka gave birth to one daughter and adopted three others.

Although she received a modest pension in 1945, following the rise of the socialists to power, Milunka suffered the harsh realities of poverty. At a military celebration in Serbia, she once appeared bearing her medals. After being asked about her identity and sharing her story, many Serbian military officials expressed sympathy towards her.

After significant efforts from local newspapers and public pressure, Milunka was granted modest housing in Belgrade in 1972. Less than a year later, she passed away under difficult circumstances at the age of 81.