Captain Lacie Hester makes history as the first woman in the U.S. Air Force to receive the Silver Star for valor in combat.
At a Glance
- Capt. Lacie Hester awarded Silver Star for role in shooting down Iranian drones attacking Israel
- First female Air Force member and 10th female service member to receive the Silver Star
- Recognized for actions during largest U.S. air-to-air engagement in over 50 years
- Award highlights evolving role of women in combat operations
Historic Achievement in U.S. Air Force
In a groundbreaking moment for the U.S. Air Force, Captain Lacie “Sonic” Hester has become the first woman in the branch’s history to receive the Silver Star, the nation’s third-highest military decoration for valor in combat. This prestigious award recognizes Capt. Hester’s exceptional bravery and tactical skill during a critical Iranian missile and drone attack on Israel in April 2024.
As a weapon systems officer on the F-15E Strike Eagle with the 494th Fighter Squadron, Capt. Hester played a crucial role in defending Israeli airspace and protecting critical infrastructure. Working alongside her pilot, Major Benjamin “Irish” Coffey, who also received the Silver Star, Hester was instrumental in intercepting and destroying enemy drones and missiles during what has been described as the largest air-to-air enemy engagement by the U.S. in over 50 years.
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 Attack and Response
The attack that led to Capt. Hester’s recognition involved Iran launching over 300 missiles and drones at Israel. U.S. forces, including Hester and Coffey’s team, were crucial in intercepting an astounding 99% of these threats. The operation demanded complex coordination, including mid-air refueling and rearming of aircraft, showcasing the high level of skill and preparedness of the U.S. Air Force.
“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,” said Hester.
The engagement pushed the limits of the crew’s capabilities. Hester and Coffey engaged multiple enemy drones and missiles, even resorting to using the aircraft’s Gatling gun after expending all their missiles. This level of commitment and resourcefulness under extreme pressure exemplifies the valor for which the Silver Star is awarded.
Teamwork and Execution
The success of the mission was not just due to individual heroics but also to the seamless coordination of the entire team. Lt. Col. Timothy “Diesel” Causey highlighted the precision and rhythm that developed during the intense operation.
“We all fell into an execution rhythm: Call, shoot, and confirm the target was destroyed before we moved on to the next task we had to accomplish to keep everyone safe,” said Causey.
The mission involved 66 airmen from the 494th Fighter Squadron and the 494th Fighter Generation Squadron, demonstrating the scale and complexity of the operation. Their combined efforts were crucial in achieving a near perfect interception rate of incoming threats.
Implications for Women in Combat
Capt. Hester’s achievement is not just a personal milestone but a significant moment for women in the military. As the first Air Force woman and only the 10th female service member to receive the Silver Star, her recognition highlights the evolving role of women in combat operations and sets a precedent for future generations of female service members.
President Joe Biden’s praise for the involved units further emphasizes the national significance of their actions. Capt. Hester’s Silver Star serves as a powerful testament to the capabilities and courage of women in the armed forces, potentially influencing future policies and perceptions regarding women in combat roles.
