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In honor of International Women’s Day on March 8th, we shine a spotlight on Sergeant Leigh Ann Hester, a true American hero whose bravery and skill in combat have redefined what it means to be a soldier. Hester, a former member of the Kentucky National Guard, made history as the first woman to receive the Silver Star—the third-highest military decoration for valor—since World War II. Her story is one of courage, resilience, and breaking barriers in a field where women’s contributions have often been overlooked. We’ve talked about Sgt Hester before, but it’s always important to remind ourselves of our history.
A Soldier’s Journey
Leigh Ann Hester grew up in Nashville, Tennessee, with a strong sense of duty and a desire to serve her country. She joined the Kentucky National Guard in 2001, just before the September 11 attacks, and quickly proved herself as a capable and dedicated soldier. Hester’s military career took a historic turn when she deployed to Iraq in 2004 as part of the 617th Military Police Company.
It was during this deployment that Hester would demonstrate extraordinary heroism in the face of danger. On March 20, 2005, Hester’s squad was providing security for a supply convoy near the town of Salman Pak when they were ambushed by approximately 50 insurgents. The enemy fighters, armed with AK-47s, rocket-propelled grenades, and machine guns, had set up a well-coordinated attack, pinning down the convoy and threatening to overwhelm the American forces.
The Battle of Salman Pak
In the chaos of the ambush, Hester and her squad leader, Staff Sergeant Timothy Nein, maneuvered their Humvee through enemy fire to flank the insurgents. Hester, a vehicle commander, led her team on foot into a trench where the insurgents were positioned. With precision and calm under fire, she engaged the enemy at close range, dropping several fighters and allowing her squad to regain the upper hand.
Hester’s actions were nothing short of extraordinary. She displayed not only exceptional tactical skill but also unwavering courage in the face of overwhelming odds. By the end of the battle, 27 insurgents had been killed, six were wounded, and one was captured. Thanks to Hester’s leadership and bravery, not a single American soldier was killed in the engagement.
For her actions that day, Hester was awarded the Silver Star, becoming the first woman since World War II to receive the honor for direct combat action. Her citation praised her “gallantry and intrepidity in action,” noting that her “actions saved the lives of numerous convoy members.”
A Legacy of Courage
Hester’s heroism didn’t just earn her a place in history; it also challenged stereotypes about women in combat. At a time when women were still officially barred from serving in direct combat roles, Hester proved that courage and skill know no gender. Her actions helped pave the way for the historic decision in 2015 to open all combat roles to women, a move that has since transformed the U.S. military.
After her deployment, Hester continued to serve in the National Guard and later transitioned to a career in law enforcement. She has spoken openly about her experiences, using her platform to inspire others and advocate for the recognition of women’s contributions in the military.
A Heroine for All
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, Sergeant Leigh Ann Hester stands as a powerful reminder of the strength, courage, and resilience of women. Her story is not just one of personal heroism but also of breaking barriers and challenging the status quo. Hester’s legacy is a call to action for all of us to recognize and celebrate the contributions of women in every field, especially in areas where they have historically been underrepresented. Let’s continue to honor the women who have shaped our world and continue to lead the way forward.
