Lori Piestewa was born on the Hopi Indian Reservation in 1979 and was raised in a family that instilled in her both a strong Catholic faith and the character of Hopi ideals. These were clearly part of her character when she went into the U.S. Army in 2001, after the events of 9/11.
As is common with Native Americans from all of the Native Peoples across this nation, Piestewa’s family had a long tradition of serving in the United States Military. Her grandfather fought in WWII and her father in Vietnam. It was in her blood to serve, both her nation and her fellow human beings.
When stationed at Ft. Bliss, Texas she met a fellow female soldier, Jessica Lynch, who would become her dear friend. You may remember that name too, but if not, here is the story.
In 2003, Piestewa and Lynch were serving in the 507th Maintenance Co. in Iraq. On March 23 the convoy they were in was ambushed by Iraqi forces. Lynch’s truck was struck and burning. Lynch stated later that her greatest fear was that she was going to die alone there in that big truck.
That was not to be the case.
You see, Pfc. Piestewa, saw what was happening and went to Pfc. Lynch’s aid, pulling her from the burning truck. They were among three women who were injured in the incident and all were taken as Prisoners of War by the Iraqi forces. The third woman was Shoshana Johnson. She was the first African-American woman to be held as a POW.
It was only a few days later that a rescue mission was put together by American forces to recover those who had been taken prisoner. The mission, if you remember, was successful. Lynch and Johnson were rescued from two different locations. Lynch was being treated in an Iraqi hospital when she was rescued. Sadly, Pfc. Piestewa had succumbed to her wounds by the time the rescue teams arrived.
Lori Piestewa was the first female soldier to die in the Iraq War. She was also the first Native American female to die in combat. She died as she had lived, honoring her Catholic faith and her Hopi ideals by risking her life to save her friend, her sister-in-arms, Jessica Lynch.
The U.S. Army posthumously promoted Pfc. Lori Piestewa to Specialist and awarded her the Purple Heart and the P.O.W Medal. She is interred on the Hopi Reservation. Her burial was attended by members of her family, her Hopi People and by many representatives from many of the Native American Peoples from across the country.
We at The Veterans Site honor the service and the heroism of Specialist, Lori Piestewa. We promise to never forget her selfless love and service to her fellow soldiers under fire and to this nation. Hooah!