18. Joanna Zubr
Joanna Zubr was a Polish soldier who concealed her identity so she could fight in the Napoleonic Wars. In 1808, she joined the army along with her husband Michal, and they served in the Greater Polish Division.
Joanna Zubr turned out to be a talented soldier. She was eventually promoted to sergeant. The Zubrs took part in Napoleon’s invasion of Russia, but Joanna was separated from the division during the retreat.
Joanna Zubr managed to escape to Russian territory on her own, and then she returned to Poland safely where she was reunited with her husband. They would eventually settle in Wielun, where Joanna lived out the rest of her days.
Joanna Zubr was the first woman to receive the Virtuti Millitari medal, which is the highest Polish military honor. This distinction makes also makes her the first to receive an award for bravery in battle.
