In a historic first, U.S. Air Force Captain Lacie Hester becomes the first female airman to receive the Silver Star for her heroic actions during an Iranian attack on Israel.
At a Glance
- Capt. Lacie Hester awarded Silver Star for downing over 80 Iranian drones during attack on Israel
- First female Air Force member and 10th female service member to receive the Silver Star
- Largest air-to-air enemy engagement by the U.S. in over 50 years
- Award highlights evolving role of women in combat
- Controversy arises over defense secretary pick’s comments on women in combat roles
Breaking Barriers: Captain Hester’s Historic Achievement
U.S. Air Force Captain Lacie “Sonic” Hester has etched her name in military history by becoming the first woman in the Air Force to receive the Silver Star, the nation’s third-highest military decoration for valor in combat.
Captain Hester’s heroic actions took place during an intense Iranian assault on Israel in April 2024. Serving as an F-15E Strike Eagle weapon systems officer with the 494th Fighter Squadron, she played a crucial role in downing over 80 Iranian drones. The attack, which involved more than 300 missiles and drones, was thwarted with 99% of the threats intercepted by U.S. and coalition forces.
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
Unprecedented Air Battle: Skill and Courage Under Fire
The engagement marked the largest air-to-air combat operation by U.S. forces in over five decades. Captain Hester, alongside her pilot Major Benjamin “Irish” Coffey, demonstrated exceptional tactical abilities and unwavering composure during the operation. Their actions were instrumental in defending Israeli airspace and protecting critical infrastructure.
“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 said.
The mission involved complex coordination, including mid-air refueling and rearming of aircraft. Hester and Coffey engaged multiple enemy drones and missiles, even resorting to using the aircraft’s Gatling gun after expending all their missiles. Their efforts and skill were crucial in the successful defense against the Iranian attack.
Air Force officer Capt. Lacie Hester became the third woman to be awarded a Silver Star since WWII for battling a barrage of Iranian missiles and drones.
Maj. Benjamin Coffey, the pilot of the two-seater F-15E, received the citation alongside Hester.https://t.co/dNOVKyjpRf
— Stars and Stripes (@starsandstripes) November 17, 2024
Recognition and Controversy: The Changing Face of Combat
The award ceremony at RAF Lakenheath honored members of the 494th Fighter Squadron and 494th Fighter Generation Squadron with various awards. President Joe Biden praised the involved units for their actions, highlighting the significance of their achievement. Captain Hester’s recognition as the first female Air Force member and the 10th female service member overall to receive the Silver Star underscores the evolving role of women in combat.
