(RightIsRight.co) – Marking an evolution in women’s roles within the U.S. military, U.S. Air Force Captain Lacie Hester has made history as the first female airman to receive the Silver Star for her valor in combat.
See the tweet below.
As the first woman to receive this star, Hester’s heroic actions during Iran’s massive missile attack on Israel prove that true patriotism knows no gender.
Captain Hester, alongside her pilot, Major Benjamin “Irish” Coffey, played a crucial role in defending Israeli airspace during Iran’s unprecedented assault in April 2024.
The attack involved over 300 missiles and drones, threatening the safety of America’s closest ally in the Middle East.
Thanks to the skill and bravery of American forces, including Hester and Coffey, a staggering 99% of these threats were neutralized.
The Silver Star, the nation’s third-highest military decoration for valor in combat, recognizes Hester’s extraordinary courage under fire.
As a weapon systems officer aboard an F-15E Strike Eagle, she engaged multiple enemy drones and missiles, even resorting to the aircraft’s Gatling gun after expanding all available missiles.
“Although intelligence provided the numbers of how many [one-way attack] drones we could expect to see, it was still surprising to see them all,” Hester recalled of the intense combat situation.
The engagement marked the largest air-to-air enemy encounter by U.S. forces in over five decades.
It required complex coordination, including mid-air refueling and aircraft rearming, showcasing the unparalleled capabilities of American military technology and personnel.
Moreover, Joe Biden praised the involved units for their actions, highlighting the critical role played by the armed forces in maintaining global stability and protecting the country’s allies.
The mission involved 66 airmen from the 494th Fighter Squadron and the 494th Fighter Generation Squadron.
“It takes a high-performing team with high-performing individuals to be able to find these things to begin with and then to engage it,” said Major Coffey, emphasizing the collective effort behind their success.
While Captain Hester’s achievement is undoubtedly historic, it comes at a time of ongoing debate about women’s roles in combat.
Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for defense secretary, has expressed concerns about women in ground combat units.
However, he wisely distinguished this from the proven success of women serving as pilots, recognizing the unique demands of different military roles.
Congratulations to Capt Lacie Hester! The first female Airman to receive the Silver Star ⭐ pic.twitter.com/KXsiz5TCO2
— Air Force Recruiting (@USAFRecruiting) November 24, 2024
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