Monica Lin Brown

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Monica Lin Brown receiving the Silver Star

Native name
Birth name
Other name(s)
Nickname(s)
Born	May 24, 1988 Lake Jackson, Texas, United States
Disappeared
Status
Died
Cause of death
Buried

Monica Lin Brown (born May 24, 1988) is a former United States Army combat medic who was awarded the Silver Star for her heroic actions during the War in Afghanistan. She is notable for being the second woman since World War II to receive the Silver Star, the third-highest military decoration for valor in combat.

Early Life and Education

Monica Lin Brown was born in Lake Jackson, Texas. She enlisted in the United States Army in 2005, shortly after graduating from high school. Brown trained as a combat medic, a role that would later define her military career.

Military Career

Brown was deployed to Afghanistan in 2007 as part of the 4th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division. Her unit was tasked with conducting operations in the eastern provinces of Afghanistan.

Heroic Actions

On April 25, 2007, while on a mission in the Paktia Province, Brown's convoy was ambushed by insurgents. An improvised explosive device (IED) detonated near her convoy, injuring several soldiers. Despite the ongoing enemy fire, Brown ran through a hail of bullets to reach the wounded soldiers. She used her body to shield them while providing medical care, saving the lives of her fellow soldiers.

For her bravery and selflessness, Brown was awarded the Silver Star. The award was presented to her by then-Vice President Dick Cheney in a ceremony at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan.

Legacy

Monica Lin Brown's actions have been widely recognized as a testament to the courage and dedication of combat medics. Her story has been used to highlight the evolving role of women in the military, particularly in combat situations.

Also see

• Silver Star
• Women in the United States Army
• Combat medic
• War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)

References

• "U.S. Army Specialist Monica Lin Brown Awarded Silver Star." United States Army.
• "Women in Combat: The Story of Monica Lin Brown." Military Times.