Emily Perez facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Emily Jazmin Tatum Perez
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| Born | February 19, 1983 Heidelberg, West Germany |
| Died | September 12, 2006 (aged 23) KIA in Al Kifl, Iraq |
| Buried |
West Point Cemetery
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| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 2001–2006 (USMA Cadet and active duty officer) |
| Rank | Second Lieutenant |
| Unit | 204th Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade |
| Battles/wars | Iraq War |
| Awards | Bronze Star Purple Heart National Defense Service Medal Global War on Terrorism Service Medal |
Emily Jazmin Tatum Perez (born February 19, 1983 – died September 12, 2006) was a brave American soldier. She was a Cadet Command Sergeant Major at the West Point military academy.
Emily was born in Heidelberg, West Germany. Her parents were in the U.S. military. She was of African American and Hispanic heritage. Emily was a top student at Oxon Hill High School in Maryland.
After high school, Emily joined West Point in 2001. She was an amazing student and a talented athlete in track. She became the highest-ranking African-American female cadet in West Point's history. In 2005, she graduated and became a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. Lieutenant Perez was serving in Iraq when she died on September 12, 2006. She was leading a group of vehicles through Al Kifl, Iraq. She was the first African-American female officer in U.S. military history to die in combat.
Her Military Service and Awards
Lieutenant Perez was sent to Iraq in December 2005. She was a Medical Service Corps officer. She died when a bomb exploded near her military vehicle. This happened during operations in Al Kifl, near Najaf. She was 23 years old.
Emily Perez was the first female graduate of West Point to die in the Iraq War. She was also the first West Point graduate from the "Class of 9/11" to die in combat. Her bravery and service earned her many awards.
- Bronze Star
- Purple Heart
- Army Commendation Medal
- National Defense Service Medal
- Iraq Campaign Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
- Army Service Ribbon
- Overseas Service Ribbon
- Combat Action Badge
In 2008, she also received the NCAA Award of Valor. This award honors people who show courage and strength.
Emily Perez was the 64th female member of the U.S. military to die in Iraq or Afghanistan. She was buried at the West Point Cemetery.
