Sarah Emma Edmonds is perhaps one of the world’s most famous cross-dressers. During the time of the Civil War, women were not allowed to serve in a combative capacity in the army, so Edmonds decided that in order to join, she would have to pass herself off as a man. She was extremely patriotic and wished to help the Union army win the war. The name she used in place of her own was Franklin Flint Thompson. She joined as a male field nurse, distinguishing herself on the battlefield and being present at many of the most famous battles. But fighting on the front lines was not enough for Edmonds. Following the death of a Union spy in enemy territory, she volunteered to take his place. The review committee accepted her and she made her way across enemy lines.
