The Real-Life Disney's "Mulan" Comes From Serbia

The role of women in the history of war is largely ignored. They are often behind the scenes to support their men on the battlefield. During the Balkan War in 1912, in a scene straight out of Disney’s Mulan, one Serbian woman took it upon herself to head straight for the frontlines, risking her life for her family and country.

Her name was Milunka Savic, and she is known as the most decorated woman in the history of warfare.

She was born in Serbia in the town near Novi Pazar in the late 19th century. She was a poor rural farmgirl living in a small village. Her brother got called to the army to serve in the First Balkan War in 1912, but Milunka took it upon herself to cut her hair short and take her sibling’s place.

Her motives also differ from account to account.

Either she entered the army because she was trying to protect her sick brother, or she was an extreme patriot. It is certain she disguised herself and fought in the Serbian Army with the aim of driving the Ottoman-Turkish Empire out of the region.

She was extraordinary in combat. She managed to receive many medals and took part in 9 missions before anyone discovered her gender.

In her 10th battle, she was hit by a Bulgarian grenade. Milunka sustained injuries and was carried to the field hospital, where the doctor discovered she was, in fact, a woman. When she recovered, she was sent to appear before her commanding officer to answer for her actions.

Considering her successes, her superior did not want to let her go, but he did not know how to handle the situation. He told her she would not be punished. Given her courage shown in battle, she could transfer to the Nursing Corp.

However, Milunka promptly told him she would not take any position that would not allow her to carry a gun, enter a battle and protect her country. the next day. Her superior agreed to let her continue fighting the enemy.

Milunka became one of the best Serbian soldiers of her generation, famously managing to capture 23 confused Bulgarian soldiers. She fought in the two Balkan Wars and also took part in World War I.

She received medals from all over the world. France bestowed upon her the Croix de Guerre and Legion d’Honneur, while Russia stepped up by placing the Cross of St. George around her neck. Great Britain provided the Medal of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael.

These honours are just a sampling of the awards that made her the most decorated female in the history of warfare.

France went so far as to offer her a comfortable retirement, but she decided to stay in Serbia and declined the generous offer. She raised her daughter and a number of foster children on her own.

Her achievements became forgotten by the public, and she made a living by working as a cleaning lady.

During the German occupation of Serbia in World War II, she was imprisoned in a concentration camp. Accounts vary as to whether this was because she refused to attend a banquet with German officers or because she was operating a hospital to treat wounded partisans. She was ultimately spared execution and released by a German officer who recognized her as a war hero.

In 1972 she died penniless of a stroke and was buried with full military honours.

Milunka was courageous and an awe-inspiring woman whose life was defined by combat, but she was simply unable to fight forever in the face of mistreatment.

As a human being, as a woman in the late 19th century and the most prominent soldier in the history of warfare, Milunka Savic deserved more than she got.

May she be remembered.

Thank you for reading.

This article was originally published by me here.