In preparation for Women’s History Month, which takes place in next month, Jeff Stoffer, Director of Media and Communications for the American Legion, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the March edition of the Legion Magazine.
Stoffer highlighted an article entitled Gallantry in Action, which tells the story of women who earned the Silver Star. It is the third-highest medal for valor in combat, and was first awarded in 1918. The Silver Star is only bestowed to one in every 50 service members. The article begins by explaining why Sergeant Leigh Ann Hester received the Silver Star in 2005. Stoffer noted this is rare, as at the time, female soldiers were not supposed to serve on combat missions, which was not authorized until 2015.
The story continues by discussing the Angels of Anzio, the nurses who saved hundreds of lives on the frontlines during World War II, despite their status as medical personnel. For months, the nurses helped protect soldiers throughout the Battle of Anzio. Stoffer said Ellen Ainsworth, one of the Angels of Anzio, earned her Silver Star posthumously after dying on the battlefield.
Finally, he talked about the 30th anniversary of the dedication of the Vietnam Women’s Memorial, the first and only memorial to military women in the National Mall. The article focuses on the origins and controversy surrounding the establishment of the memorial. It took 10 years for the memorial to be created and dedicated. Today, it stands in honor of military women's fight for equality in the service.
Listen to the show above to hear more about next month’s Legion Magazine.