The 14 Most Impressive Women In The US Military

Less than a century ago, it was rare to see women in the military, and yet now women fight in combat, command airstrikes, pilot fighter jets, and oversee medical operations.

We've found the 14 most impressive women in the U.S. military right now.

These women have saved lives in the operating room, rescued fellow servicemembers while under enemy attack, set record times in triathlons and races, and come up with innovative ways to treat blast injuries, proving that women will forever have a place next to men on the battlefield.

Maj. Lauren Edwards led more than 150 Marines and several vehicles in defensive maneuvers during the invasion of Iraq.

Branch: Marine Corps

Rank: Major

Why she's impressive: A combat engineer, Edwards was leading a company of combat engineers during the invasion of Iraq when her unit's convoy was attacked in 2003. It was the first time she had ever been shot at, according to Why Marines Fight, a book by James Brady, but she led more than 150 Marines and several vehicles in defensive maneuvers, earning an award for valor in the process.

Edwards' physical strength is equally impressive; she can run a perfect male physical fitness test, which includes running three miles in 18 minutes, doing 20 pull-ups and 100 sit-ups in two minutes, a feat even males find it incredibly difficult to do.

Sgt. Sherri Gallagher is one of the top long-range rifle marksmen in the country, and was named Soldier of the Year.

Branch: Army

Rank: Sergeant

Why she's impressive: Gallagher, a shooter in the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, beat out 11 other competitors for the title of Soldier of the Year. She bested her competition — mostly male — in events such as hand-to-hand combat, urban maneuvers, detainee operations, casualty evaluation, weapons familiarization, and night firing.

Firing a weapon is Gallagher's specialty; she is one of the top long-range rifle shooters in the country and, as of last year, a member of the Golden Knights, the U.S. Army Parachute Team. 

For her accuracy and steady hand, Gallagher was named the 2010 Army Soldier of the Year by the Military Marksmanship Association, the first woman to claim this title.

Sgt. Leigh Ann Hester killed several enemy combatants while under attack in Iraq, saving American lives.

Branch: Army

Rank: Sergeant

Why she's impressive: Hester is one of the few women to be awarded for valor in close-quarters combat. When she and her squad came under fire by enemy combatants while stationed in Iraq, Hester helped repel more than two dozen Iraqi insurgents. 

Amazingly, Hester walked directly into the line of fire to kill at least three enemy combatants at close range, according to a Washington Post article

Because of her swift heroism, Hester saved the lives of numerous convoy members. Her actions led her to become the first woman since World War II to earn the Silver Star Medal, the third highest award exclusively for valor in combat.