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Jessica Lynch

What is jessica lynch?

· James MacDonald

Key facts

Full name Jessica Dawn Lynch[1]
Date of birth April 26, 1983[1]
Place of birth Palestine, West Virginia[1]
Military role Private first class / unit supply specialist[2]
Unit 507th Maintenance Company[2]
Rescue date April 1, 2003[3]

Jessica Dawn Lynch is a former U.S. Army soldier who was captured and later rescued during the 2003 Iraq War; she is also described in sources as a teacher and motivational speaker [1] [2] [5].

Context

Jessica Lynch served with the 507th Maintenance Company when her convoy was ambushed in Iraq on March 23, 2003, leading to her capture [2]. She was rescued by U.S. Special Operations Forces on April 1, 2003, a mission described as the first successful rescue of an American prisoner of war since World War II and the first ever of a woman [2]. USCENTCOM found no evidence that the rescue was staged [3]. After her return, Lynch completed bachelor's and master's degrees at West Virginia University at Parkersburg [1]. On July 22, 2003, she returned to Palestine, West Virginia, and received a hero's welcome [4].

Documented claims

  • Lynch was captured on March 23, 2003, after her convoy was ambushed in Iraq. [2]
  • Her rescue was described as the first successful rescue of an American prisoner of war since World War II and the first ever of a woman. [2]
  • USCENTCOM found no evidence that the rescue mission was a staged media event. [3]

Questions and answers

What happened with Jessica Lynch?

Lynch was captured on March 23, 2003, after her convoy was ambushed in Iraq, and rescued on April 1, 2003 [2] [3].

How is Jessica Lynch doing today?

Lynch later completed bachelor's and master's degrees at West Virginia University at Parkersburg [1].

How long was Jessica Lynch a prisoner-of-war?

She was captured on March 23, 2003, and rescued on April 1, 2003, a period of nine days [2] [3].

Sources

  1. Former prisoner of war Jessica Lynch shares her ... - ASU News — news.asu.edu (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. Jessica Lynch Fast Facts — cnn.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. Jessica Lynch gets hero's welcome | July 22, 2003 | HISTORY — history.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  4. About | Jessica Lynch — powjessicalynch.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  5. Jessica Lynch — en.wikipedia.org (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in People