Texan becomes 2nd woman soldier since WWII to earn Silver Star

CAMP SALERNO, Afghanistan (AP) - A 19-yearold Army medic from Texas will become the first woman in Afghanistan to receive the Silver Star, the nation's third-highest medal for valor.

Army Specialist Monica Lin Brown of Lake Jackson, Texas, is only the second female soldier since World War II to receive the honor.

She's been chosen for her actions after a roadside bomb ripped through her convoy in eastern Paktia province last April.

The military says she ran through insurgent gunfire and used her body to shield wounded comrades as mortars fell less than 100 yards away. Five of her comrades were hurt.

The Pentagon doesn't allow women in front-line combat roles. But the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have no real front lines. Women soldiers are taking part in close-quarters combat more than previous conflicts.

She'll get the Silver Star later this month.