Gallantry in action is what it takes to be awarded the armed forces’ third-highest military decoration for valor in combat. Capt. Lacie Hester is the first female in the Air Force to receive this honor.
She received her medal during a ceremony on Nov. 12, 2024, at RAF Lakenheath for her bravery and skill during an April attack involving suicide UAVs directed at Israel.
In what is being described as the largest air-to-air enemy engagement in 50 years, Hester and her squadron of F-15E Strike Eagles faced a swarm of 300 UAVs and missiles.
One by one, Hester and her team neutralized the inbound threats. After exhausting her missiles and in the dark of night, Hester and Maj. Benjamin Coffey dropped their jets low to the surface and engaged the threats using only the aircraft’s guns.
After returning to base, Hester returned to the air in another F-15 just 25 minutes later to rejoin the fight. The squadron ultimately scored more than 80 kills, and with the effectiveness of Israel’s air defense systems, the coalition downed 99% of the UAVs and missiles.
Hester is the first female airman to receive the Silver Star and only the 10th woman in the Department of Defense’s history to be so honored.
Air Force personnel involved in the historic engagement were awarded two Silver Stars, including Capt. Hester, 14 Distinguished Flying Crosses and two Bronze Stars.