Visit by female POW continues

Johnson will speak at 9 p.m. on February 9

Two years ago during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Shoshana Johnson was in a convoy that was ambushed in the city of an-Nasiriyah. Johnson was shot in her ankle, injuring her legs. She and five other members of the 507th Maintenance Company were captured.

The U.S. Marines conducted house raids in the city of Samarra, Iraq, three weeks after the POWs were captured and successfully rescued them. Johnson and other POWs returned to the United States to a hero's welcome. Army officials identified Johnson as the first female POW of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and the first black female POW in U.S. war history.

Johnson continues Black History Month events at Grand Valley State University with a speech at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, February 9, in the Kirkhof Center's Grand River Room. Her talk, "Heroism Has No Color," is sponsored by the Black Student Union. The event is open to the public; there is no admission charge.

Johnson retired from the Army in 2003. Her 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.