SGT Leigh Ann Hester

SGT Hester of the 617th Military Police Company, US Army National Guard based in Richmond, KY was awarded the Silver Star for her actions during an ambush on March 20th.  Two of her fellow soldiers from the 617th also received the Silver Star for their actions during the ambush. 

Hester’s squad was escorting a supply convoy when insurgents ambushed it.  Hester and her unit flanked the insurgents, cutting off their escape route.  She then led her soldiers through the “kill zone” and into a flanking position, where she proceeded to assault a trench line with grenades and M203 grenade launcher rounds.  She and her squad leader SSG Timothy Nein proceeded to clear two trenches, resulting in SGT Hester killing three of the insurgents.  When the battle was over, 27 insurgents were dead, six were wounded and one was captured. 

SGT Hester was born in Bowling Green, KY, subsequently moving to Nashville, TN.  She joined the National Guard in April 2001 and stated she did not have time to be scared when the fight first started and did not realize the impact of her actions until much later.  Upon receiving the award, SGT Hester said:  “I am honored to even be considered, much less awarded, the medal”.  She went on to say “it really does not have anything to do with being a female…it’s about the duties I performed that day as a soldier.” She went on to say “your training kicks in and the soldier kicks in,” …  “It’s your life or theirs. … You’ve got a job to do - - protecting yourself and your fellow comrades.”

The Alliance for National Defense believes it is fitting that SGT Hester is the first woman to be spotlighted on our revitalized website.  Her actions simply reinforce that it is not about gender but rather selfless service to our nation.