Jessica Lynch

Jessica Lynch (born April 26, 1983) in Palestine, West Virginia. Lynch, a Quartermaster Corps Private First Class (PFC) in the United States Army, was a prisoner of war of the Iraqi military in the 2003 invasion of Iraq who was rescued by United States forces on April 1, 2003. Lynch's rescue was the first of an American POW since World War II and the first ever of a woman.

Return home

On April 12, 2003, Private Lynch was flown to the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. to undergo specialized treatment and rehabilitation. On April 17, she underwent surgery to repair a bone in her right foot.

Related Topics:
Walter Reed Army Medical Center - Washington, D.C.

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While recovering in Washington, Lynch was inundated with gifts and flowers from well-wishers, so much so that she asked the public to send cards instead. Her family suggested that the public send money to charity and relief organizations.

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Lynch was released from the hospital on July 22, more than three months after her injury. She was awarded the Bronze Star for Bravery. http://houston.indymedia.org/news/2003/08/15216.php

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On August 27, 2003, Lynch was given a medical honorable discharge. An authorized biography, written by Rick Bragg, was released in November 2003.

Related Topics:
August 27 - 2003 - Honorable discharge

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NBC made a television movie called Saving Private Lynch, which was about Mohammed's account of him rescuing Lynch. Much of the content in the movie had been disputed by others.http://www.eonline.com/News/Items/0,1,11603,00.html http://www.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/TV/04/11/lynch.movie.reut/

Related Topics:
NBC - Saving Private Lynch

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Controversy also arose regarding the varying treatment and media coverage of Lynch and Shoshanna Johnson, an African-American soldier captured in the same ambush as Lynch, but rescued later. Critics, including Rev. Jesse Jackson, contended that Johnson's race was a major reason that Johnson received little media attention and a smaller disability pension as compared to Lynch. Other criticism has focused on the ignoring of other members in her unit, such as Lori Piestewa. It should be noted, however, that Lynch always spoke with great respect for her fellow soldiers, especially the ones who were killed in the incident. Lynch had been best friends with Piestewa and at her homecoming gave this tribute: "I especially wanted to mention my best friend Lori Piestewa who died...I was proud to go to war with her and she will always be in my heart."

Related Topics:
Shoshanna Johnson - African-American - Jesse Jackson - Lori Piestewa

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In early August 2005, Lynch announced that she would be attending West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia on a full scholarship stemming from her military service.

Related Topics:
August - 2005 - West Virginia University - Morgantown, West Virginia

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