Who Is Leigh Ann Hester? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Leigh Ann Hester was born on January 12, 1982, making her 43 years old in 2025. An extraordinary American soldier, Hester made history as the first woman to receive the Silver Star for her actions in combat. Her remarkable bravery during the Iraq War in 2005 earned her this prestigious award, highlighting her dedication and service in the U.S. Army. Hester became a role model for many aspiring female soldiers and remains an influential figure in discussions surrounding women in the military.
| Occupation | Soldiers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 12, 1982 |
| Age | 43 Years |
| Birth Place | Bowling Green, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Leigh Ann Hester's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Leigh Ann Hester stands at an impressive height of 5 feet 6 inches (approx. 167 cm). While her weight fluctuates due to her commitment to fitness, she is typically around 130 lbs (59 kg). Hester's fitness regime and military background contribute to her well-maintained body, showcasing her through a variety of measurements that reflect her disciplined lifestyle.
Citation: "The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Leigh Ann Hester, United States Army, for exceptionally valorous achievement during combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, on 20 March 2
005, in Iraq.
Sergeant Hester's heroic actions in Iraq contributed to the overwhelming success of the Multi-National Corps-Iraq mission.
While serving as the Team Leader for RAVEN 42B in the 617th Military Police Company, 503d Military Police Battalion (Airborne), 18th Military Police Brigade, Sergeant Hester led her soldiers on a counterattack of anti-Iraqi Forces (AIF) who were ambushing a convoy with heavy AK-47 assault rifle fire, PRK machine gun fire, and rocket propelled grena
des.
Sergeant Hester maneuvered her team through the kill zone into a flanking position where she assaulted a trench line with grenades and M-203 rounds. She then cleared two trenches with her Squad Leader where she engaged and eliminated 3 AIF with her M-4 rifle. Her actions saved the lives of numerous convoy members.
Sergeant Hester's bravery is in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflects distinct credit upon herself, the 503d Military Police Battalion (Airborne), the 18th Military Police Brigade, and the United States Army. NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD: Sergeant Leigh A.
Hester is cited for conspicuous gallantry in action against an armed enemy of the United States while engaged in military operations involving conflict with anti Iraq forces (AIF) as a team leader for Raven 42B, 617th Military Police Company, 503d Military Police Battalion (Airborne) stationed at Camp Liberty, Iraq on 20 March 2005, in support of O
peration IRAQI FREEDOM.
The team's mission was to assist Raven 42 in searching the Eastern Convoy Route for improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and provide additional security to sustainment convoys traveling through their area of responsibility.
While patrolling Alternate Supply Route (ASR) Detroit, Raven 42B was shadowing a sustainment convoy consisting of 30 third country national (TCN) semi-tractor trailers with a three vehicle squad size escort, call sign Stallion 33, traveling from LSA (logistics support area) Anaconda to CSC (convoy support center) Scania.
The weather for this ASR patrol was 75 degrees and sunny with a 10 knot breeze from the southwest. While traveling on ASR Detroit approximately 50 AIF ambushed the convoy with heavy AK47 fire, RPK heavy machine gun fire, and rocket propelled grenades (RPGs) from the southwest side of the road at 1140 hours.
The AIF were utilizing irrigation ditches and an orchard for the well planned complex attack. The AIF had cars combat parked along a road perpendicular to the ASR with all doors and trunks open. The AIF intent was to destroy the convoy, to inflict numerous casualties, and to kidnap several TCN drivers or U.S. Soldiers.
The initial ambush disabled and set on fire the lead TCN vehicle, which effectively blocked the southbound lanes of ASR Detroit, stopping the convoy in the kill zone.
The squad leader, Staff Sergeant Timothy Nein, directed the squad to move forward, traveling on the right shoulder and passing through the engagement area between the enemy and the convoy.
Sergeant Hester directed her gunner to provide heavy volumes of MK 19 and M240B fires into the field where an overwhelming number of insurgents were executing a well coordinated ambush on the convoy. Raven 42 elements were outnumbered five to one. Staff Sergeant Nein ordered the squad to flank the insurgents on their right side.
The squad continued to come under heavy machine gun fire and rocket propelled grenade fire when Sergeant Hester stopped her vehicle, the middle vehicle, at a flanking position enfilading the trench line and the orchard field where over a dozen insurgents were engaging the squad and convoy.
She then directed her gunner to focus fires in the trench line and the orchard field. Sergeant Hester dismounted and moved to what was thought to be the non-contact side of the vehicle. She ordered her gunner to continue to fire on the orchard field as she and her driver engaged insurgents in the orchard field with small arms.
Sergeant Hester began engaging the insurgents with her M203 in order to suppress the heavy AIF fire. Sergeant Hester followed Staff Sergeant Nein to the right side berm and threw two well placed fragmentation grenades into the trench eliminating the AIF threat.
Sergeant Hester and Staff Sergeant Nein went over the berm into the trench and began clearing the trench with their M4s. Sergeant Hester engaged and eliminated three AIF to her front with her M4. They then made their way to the front trench and cleared that as well.
After clearing the front trench cease fire was called and she began securing the ambush site. The final result of the ambush was 27 AIF KIA (killed in action), 6 AIF WIA (wounded in action), and one AIF captured."
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Details about Leigh Ann Hester's family remain relatively private. She maintains a low profile when it comes to her personal life, which includes her dating and relationship status. As of 2025, there is no publicly available information regarding a boyfriend or girlfriend, nor any indication of a husband or wife. Hester seems to prioritize her career and advocacy efforts, dedicating much of her time to empowering other women in the armed forces.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Leigh Ann Hester's net worth is estimated to be around $2 million. Her income primarily comes from her military service, speaking engagements, and appearances as a veteran advocate. While her salary details remain undisclosed, her extensive experience in the military, along with her role as a public speaker and mentor, has enabled her to achieve financial stability.
Career, Business, and Investments
Leigh Ann Hester’s career took off during her tenure in the military, where she served valiantly and earned national recognition. After retiring from active duty, she transitioned into a role as a veteran advocate, focusing on issues such as women veterans’ rights and mental health awareness within the military community. In addition to her advocacy work, Hester has participated in various business ventures, further enhancing her portfolio.
Leigh Ann Hester (born January 12, 1982) is a United States Army National Guard soldier. While assigned to the 617th Military Police Company, a Kentucky Army National Guard unit out of Richmond, Kentucky, Hester received the Silver Star for her heroic actions on 20 March 2005 during an enemy ambush on a supply convoy near the town of Salman Pak, Iraq.
Social Network
Leigh Ann Hester maintains an active presence on various social media platforms, where she connects with followers and shares insights on her journey and causes she is passionate about. You can find her on:
- Instagram: @leighannhester - She often shares motivational content, fitness tips, and updates on her advocacy work.
- Twitter: @LeighAnnH - Here, Hester engages in discussions surrounding military affairs and women's rights.
Education
Leigh Ann Hester's educational background includes rigorous military training and coursework related to her service. After completing her basic training, she attended various military schools, which equipped her with the skills and knowledge necessary for her role as a soldier. Details on her specific educational institutions remain general, but her military education played a significant role in shaping her career.
