Woman Awarded Silver Star After Iraq Ambush
A 23-year-old sergeant with the 617th Military Police Company of Richmond became the first female soldier to receive the Silver Star -- the nation’s third-highest medal for valor -- since World War II.
Sgt. Leigh Ann Hester received the award for gallantry during an insurgent ambush on a convoy in Iraq. Two men from her unit also received the Silver Star for their roles in the same action.
Hester killed at least three insurgents, according to her award citation. “Her actions saved the lives of numerous convoy members,” the citation says.
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