Melissa Coleman

Melissa Coleman (Army) served as a heavy vehicle driver when she was deployed to Saudi Arabia in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. On January 30, 1991, her convoy was attacked. She was shot in the arm, captured, and taken prisoner by Iraqi soldiers, making her the first enlisted female Prisoner of War in US military history. After spending 35 days in captivity, she was released on March 5, 1991, when she returned home with honor. Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Melissa now lives in San Antonio, Texas.