On July 5, 1884, a special act of Congress granted Canadian-born Sarah Emma Edmonds, who fought with the Union Army during the Civil War disguised as a man, an Army pension and bonus. The act also granted her an honorable discharge after she was cleared of charges of desertion while fighting as Private Frank Thompson.

“I am naturally fond of adventure, a little ambitious, and a good deal romantic – but patriotism was the true secret of my success.”