Female awarded Silver Star

Sgt. Leigh Ann Hester became the first female awarded the Silver Star since World War II on Thursday. Hester, along with two men from her unit, received the award for their roles in defending a convoy against an insurgent ambush on March 20.

While the Pentagon maintains a policy that women should not be involved in combat units, it is clear that women are playing an increasingly vital role in our armed forces -- a clear step forward for our nation.