FAIRFIELD, Conn., Jan. 29, 2004 — Shoshana N. Johnson, the first African-American woman POW in U.S. war history, will be the guest speaker as Sacred Heart University celebrates Black History Month. The event will take place on Wed., Feb. 25, at 7:00 p.m., at Sacred Heart University at the Edgerton Center for the Performing Arts, 5151 Park Ave., Fairfield.  The event is free and open to the public. Free parking and handicapped access are also available.  For further details, contact the box office at (203) 374-2777.

On March 23, 2003, during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Johnson was in a convoy that was ambushed in the city of an-Nasiriyah. Johnson received a bullet wound to her ankle, causing injuries to both legs. She and five other members of the 507th Maintenance Company were captured and taken Prisoners of War. The ambush and its aftermath made world news headlines. 

House raids conducted by U.S. Marines in the city of Samarra, Iraq, resulted in the successful rescue of seven POWs on the morning of April 13. Three days later, Johnson, together with six former POWs, came back to a hero's welcome in the U.S.

Specialist Johnson retired from the Army on a Temporary Disability Honorable Discharge on December 12, 2003.  Johnson's awards and decorations include the U.S. Army Service Ribbon, Army Commendation Ribbon, National Defense Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, and the Prisoner of War Medal. U.S. Army officials identified Johnson as the first female POW of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and the first black female POW in U.S. war history.

Since her return to the United States, Specialist Johnson has received numerous awards, and recognition for her courage, valor, and service to the United States. Johnson resides in El Paso,Texas.

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