Originally Posted by
26 Inf
Perhaps because Sgt. Hester was the first woman to win the award for direct combat action - taking the fight to the enemy.
That in no way, shaped, or form, takes anything away from the four female members of the medical corps who were awardedthe silver star at Anzio.
PFC Monica Brown (now Sergeant) is also a badass:
The small arms fire began to concentrate on the IED site as the Platoon Medic, Private First Class Brown, moved on foot to evaluate the casualties. She was exposed to the small arms fire until the maneuver element could swing around and begin suppressing the enemy as she treated the wounded Soldiers.
After making an initial assessment and treating in order of severity, she moved the casualties with the aid and direction of the Platoon Sergeant, into the wadi the engulfed vehicle was hanging over. The enemy fighters then engaged the patrol with mortar fire.
Private First Class Brown threw her own body over the casualties to shield them as the mortars were impacting 75 to 100 meters away. Approximately 15 mortars impacted within close range of the casualties as Private First Class Brown continued treatment. Private First Class Brown continued treatment in the wadi approximately 15 meters from the burning vehicle, at which time the onboard 60-mm. mortar, 5.56-mm. ammunition, and 40-mm. grenade rounds on board began to explode. Again disregarding her own safety, Private First Class Brown shielded the casualties with her own body as large chunks of shrapnel and 5.56-mm. rounds began flying through the air from the burning vehicle.
The patrol leader arrived on site and found it incredible she was still alive and treating the casualties amidst the extremely dangerous conditions she was operating under. Given the hazards to Private First Class Brown, the platoon sergeant used the ANA Ranger to move the wounded Soldiers and Private First Class Brown to a more protected position.
Not bad for 18 years old, kind of Greatest Generationish.
Yeah, I did understand the distinction of direct combat. And I'm really not trying to be dismissive or disrespectful. As you say, not bad for an 18 year old kid.
I just wish we didn't have to go through the "novelty phase" of first woman this or first black guy that. I suppose it's the price we pay for once having had a segregated military and until recently not permitting females in combat roles.
In my mind, anyone who actually WANTS to join the military and anyone who WANTS to serve in combat arms should at a minimum be given a chance. I'd rather serve with somebody who actually wants to be there then somebody who got drafted or something like that.
Should have been done a long time ago, we either actually believe in freedom and equality or we don't.
It's hard to be a ACLU hating, philosophically Libertarian, socially liberal, fiscally conservative, scientifically grounded, agnostic, porn admiring gun owner who believes in self determination.
Chuck, we miss ya man.
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