From Cadet to Hero — The Legacy of Emily J. Perez (1983–2006)

A trailblazing U.S. Army officer and the first African-American female officer to die in combat. Born in Heidelberg, Germany, to a military family of African American and Hispanic heritage, she graduated near the top of her class at Oxon Hill High School before entering West Point in 2001. There, she made history as the highest-ranking African-American female cadet and a standout track athlete. Commissioned in 2005, 2nd Lt. Perez served with the 4th Infantry Division and was killed in action in Iraq on September 12, 2006, while courageously leading a convoy. Her legacy endures as a symbol of leadership, excellence, and sacrifice.

Read more here: https://www.thenmusa.org/biographies/emily-j-t-perez/