Displayed with solemn honor at the Military Women’s Memorial in Arlington, Virginia, this preserved U.S. Army dress uniform belonged to Specialist Lori Piestewa, a Hopi Native American soldier whose bravery and sacrifice mark a watershed moment in American military history. Piestewa was the first Native American woman in U.S. history to die in combat while serving in the military and the first American servicewoman killed during the Iraq War. Her legacy is felt deeply across military and Indigenous communities, symbolizing resilience, patriotism, and the power of representation.
Born in Tuba City, Arizona, Lori Piestewa served with the 507th Maintenance Company during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. On March 23, 2003, her convoy was ambushed near Nasiriyah in a harrowing battle that claimed several lives. Piestewa died from injuries sustained during the ambush. Her courage under fire and her deep bond with fellow soldier Jessica Lynch, who was captured and later rescued, captured national attention. Lynch has often publicly credited Piestewa with helping protect her during the chaos of the attack.
The uniform, now encased in glass within the Memorial’s exhibits, includes her nameplate, rank insignia, and unit decorations. These elements speak quietly but powerfully of a life dedicated to service. The display sits beneath a wall covered with symbolic yellow cutouts, evoking the stories of thousands of women who have served across generations.
Beyond her military accolades, Piestewa’s cultural impact is profound. Arizona’s Squaw Peak was renamed Piestewa Peak in her memory, and multiple schools, highways, and parks now bear her name. She represents a unique intersection of underrepresented groups in military service—Indigenous Americans and women—whose contributions are too often overlooked in history books.
The Military Women’s Memorial, located at the gateway to Arlington National Cemetery, is the only national monument dedicated to honoring the contributions of women in uniform. By preserving and displaying uniforms like Piestewa’s, the memorial brings to life personal stories of dedication, sacrifice, and heroism.
Lori Piestewa’s uniform is more than fabric and medals—it is a vessel of memory, dignity, and national gratitude. Standing before it, visitors are reminded of the cost of freedom and the often-unseen courage of those who wear the uniform.
