Sgt Leigh Ann Hester Recieves Silver Star

[Patriot Heart]

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width="100%">Woman Soldier Receives Silver Star for Valor in Iraq

By Sgt. Sara Wood, USA
American Forces Press Service

</TD></TR><TR><TD>WASHINGTON,<?XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = CH /><CH:NBSP></CH:NBSP> <CH:NBSP></CH:NBSP>June 16, 2005<CH:NBSP></CH:NBSP> <CH:NBSP></CH:NBSP>–<CH:NBSP></CH:NBSP> <CH:NBSP></CH:NBSP>For the first time since World War II, a woman soldier was awarded the Silver Star Medal today in Iraq.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Sgt. Leigh Ann Hester of the 617th Military Police Company, a National Guard unit out of Richmond, Ky., received the Silver Star, along with two other members of her unit, Staff Sgt. Timothy Nein and Spc. Jason Mike, for their actions during an enemy ambush on their convoy. Other members of the unit also received awards.
SNIP
Being the first woman soldier since World War II to receive the medal is significant to Hester. But, she said, she doesn't dwell on the fact. "It really doesn't have anything to do with being a female," she said. "It's about the duties I performed that day as a soldier."
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Jun2005/20050616_1745.html

[Patriot Heart]

Here is a link to a description of the terrific firefight she and her fellow troops were involved in

http://www.militaryweek.com/wts042205.shtml