Following her commission as a second lieutenant in January 1957, Vaught continued to break barriers throughout her Air Force career, paving the way for other service members to strive and reach their full potential. At the time of her retirement, she was one of only seven female generals in the entire U.S. military.
Among her numerous accomplishments are the following firsts:
· First woman to deploy with a Strategic Air Command bombardment wing on an operational deployment
· First woman to attend the Industrial College of the Armed Forces (since renamed The Eisenhower School)
· First woman to command a unit that received the Joint Meritorious Unit Award
· First woman to be promoted to brigadier general in the comptroller career field
Her military decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star Medal, amongst others, recognizing her distinctive achievements over her 28 years of military service.
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