I suggest, as regards the topic of this thread, that every SD member read the story of Mary Ludwig Hays in the US Revolutionary War, or "Sgt. Molly," as she bacame known after George Washington gave her a battlefied, non-commisioned officer rating.
She is better known as Molly Pitcher, though her actual name was Mary Ludwig Hays. An absolutely amazing story, particularly regarding the cannon ball that passed between her legs in battle, taking off part of her petticoat, but otherwise not injuring her.
She was reported, in the heat of battle, to have said, "Well, that could have been worse," when it happened.