A SALUTE TO HERO ARMY SPC MONICA LIN BROWN

2014-10-03T23:31:42-04:00

A 19-year-old medic from Texas is the first woman in Afghanistan and only the second woman since World War II to receive the Silver Star, the nation's third-highest medal for valor. Army SPC Monica Lin Brown, after an explosion, which wounded five soldiers in her unit, ran through insurgent gunfire and used her body to shield wounded comrades as mortars fell less than 100 yards away, the military said. Medical aid rendered under fire saved all five of her comrades. I think we found our first female Ranger. How come this wasn't in the main stream news?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2014 12:05 AM

2014-10-04T00:05:55-04:00

Congratulations to her and job well done! She is definitely deserving of the award!

However, as a side note, she is not the second. SGT Leigh Ann Hester won the Silver Star in Iraq in 2005. Either way, I am glad that we have such brave men and women in our armed forces!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2014 2:42 AM

2014-10-04T02:42:55-04:00

SSG Private RallyPoint Member, SPC David S. is correct in his verbage which you actually corroborate in yours. SGT Hester is the first female since WW2 to earn the Silver Star. SPC Brown is the second female since WW2 to earn the Silver Star, which she did so for actions taken in 2007. Last I knew of, she is a SGT now and serving with the 82nd. Both of their stories are amazing and you can check out a very realistic diorama of SGT Hester's story in the Women's Museum at Fort Lee, VA.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Oct 4 at 2014 6:47 AM

2014-10-04T06:47:44-04:00

Thank you SPC David S., I did know about SPC Monica Lin Brown. Good question as to why this didn't make it big in the media.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Oct 4 at 2014 12:58 PM

2014-10-04T12:58:08-04:00

Last question first, why wasn't this in the main stream news, because it did not further any of their agendas.

With this said, excellent job SPC Brown. From reading the post, it seems the Specialist was doing her job in an excellent fashion...but this is what we expect from all of our soldiers, especially our medics. Not sure where this factors in to Ranger School, or if she would even want to attend, but that is another post for another day. On reflection, I am surprised we have not had a story like this much earlier in all the time we have had troops in Afghanistan and Iraq?

Response by LCpl Steve Wininger made Oct 4 at 2014 1:21 PM

2014-10-04T13:21:16-04:00

I would venture to guess that it has a lot to do with the medias involvement in the politics of women in combat. It is truly sad the media will not run a story about a true American hero but will flood the news with the latest NFL or Hollywood scandal.

And people wonder why this country is falling apart.

Response by COL Randall C. made Oct 4 at 2014 1:39 PM

2014-10-04T13:39:38-04:00

SPC David S., I don't usually stand up for mainstream media, but they did report on this. You have to remember, the reason most people don't recall this is that she was awarded it over six years ago (March 2008 I believe).

If you do a cursory search, you'll find many mentions of it (the CBS link has a very good 60 minutes segment on her. It does have a bit of slant to it on presentation of 'women in combat' comments, but very good overall):

http://www.nbcnews.com/id/23547346/ns/us_news-military/t/female-medic-earns-silver-star-afghan-war/#.VDAtgKNzTyQ
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/female-texas-teen-to-receive-silver-star/
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/pvt-monica-brown-and-the-silver-star/ (60 minutes segment)
http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-03-09-silverstar_N.htm
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2008-05-09/news/ [login to see] _1_medic-five-soldiers-afghanistan
etc...

Female medic earns Silver Star in Afghan war

A 19-year-old medic from Texas will become the first woman in Afghanistan and only the second woman since World War II to receive the Silver Star, the nation's third-highest medal for valor.

Response by SSG(P) Matthew Bisbee made Mar 1 at 2015 4:03 PM

2015-03-01T16:03:39-05:00

When considering her award, her rank, time in service, and combat experence must have been taken into account. She acted in such a professional manner during her first firefight. I am proud to serve in the same service as her.

Response by SGT Richard Domenden made Mar 4 at 2015 11:21 AM

2015-03-04T11:21:36-05:00

Much respect. Salute!

Response by PVT Seyit özere made Oct 23 at 2018 8:16 AM

2018-10-23T08:16:44-04:00

using pictures of important people