Jessica Dawn Lynch served as a United States Army soldier in the 2003 invasion of Iraq as a private first class. On March 23, 2003, she served as a unit supply specialist with the 507th Maintenance Company when her convoy was ambushed by Iraqi troops. She became seriously injured resulting her capture from the Iraqi troops. Tragically, Lynch became a Prisoner of War. The U.S. Special Operations rescued Lynch on April 1, 2003. This was the first successful rescue of an American prisoner of war since World War II and the first ever of a woman.
Early Life
Jessica Lynch was born on April 26, 1983 in Palestine, West Virginia. Her parents could not afford to send her to college. Therefore, the Lynch family met with an army recruiter in the summer of 2000 when Lynch was seventeen and still attending high school. On September 19, 2001, Lynch entered basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Later, she completed Advanced Individual Training for her Military Occupational Specialty as a unit supply specialist at Fort Lee, Virginia. Fort Bliss, Texas served as Lynch’s third base.
Battle of Nasiriyah
Devastatingly, on March 23, 2003, Lynch was traveling in a convoy. With little knowledge of the area, wrong turns were made and her team was ambushed near Nasiriyah. Originally, the plan was to detour around the town but instead the convoy turned directly into it. Some say the ambush was a set up. However, this is unlikely because the Iraqis did not know which course the convoy would take. The convoy had a GPS system, but it only provided grid references, not turn-by-turn navigation. Sadly, maps of the area lack the detail required to properly navigate through tight city streets. Unfortunately, the convoy took one too many turns and became attack under enemy fire. A rocket-propelled grenade struck the convoy in which Lynch was riding causing it to crash.
Prisoner of War
Post the crash, Iraqi forces captured Lynch. After an unknown time in the custody of the Iraqi forces, she went to a hospital in Nasiriyah. Lynch suffered from a broken back, broken right arm, right foot, left femur, left tibia and several cracked ribs. An Iraqi named Mohammed Odeh al Rehaief tipped off U.S forces to Lynch’s whereabouts. Rehaief was visiting someone in the hospital where he witnessed an Iraqi colonel slapping Lynch. That’s when he knew that he needed to save her and to tell the Americans to rescue her.
Coming Home
On April 1, 2003, U.S. Special Forces went to the hospital to rescue Lynch. She was flown to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany where she was expected to recover fully from her injuries. Lynch’s parents came to Germany to reunite with their daughter on April 5. On April 12, 2003 Lynch traveled to the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. to undergo specialized treatment and rehabilitation. During recovery in Washington, Lynch received various gifts, flowers and cards from well-wishers. Finally, on July 22, 2003, Lynch was released from the hospital. On the same day, she received the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Prisoner of War Medal. She was honorably discharged on August 27, 2003.
Jessica Lynch Today
Lynch went on to complete her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and her Master’s degree in Communication Studies. She continues to speak to audience young and old about her experience as a P.O.W. Lynch has spoken to veteran organizations, universities, schools and business corporations. Along with being a motivational speaker, she is a mother and an educator.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do. ~ Ward Merdes
Sources: Jessica Lynch and Wikipedia
Image Source: NEWS
