Shoshana Johnson

Shoshana Johnson is a former U.S. Army soldier who became the first Black female prisoner of war (POW) in U.S. military history. She gained national attention during the Iraq War when she was captured by Iraqi forces in March 2003.

Johnson was born in the Republic of Panama. She later immigrated to the United States with her family and grew up in Texas. Johnson enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a cook in the 507th Maintenance Company.

On March 23, 2003, during the early stages of the Iraq War, her convoy was ambushed near Nasiriyah. Johnson was shot in both legs during the attack and subsequently captured, along with several other soldiers. She spent 22 days in captivity before being rescued by U.S. Marines on April 13, 2003. Her story highlighted the sacrifices and challenges faced by women and people of color in the military.

Following her return, Johnson received numerous honors, including the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, and the Prisoner of War Medal. Her experience brought attention to the broader challenges faced by returning veterans, including physical and emotional recovery. She retired from the Army with an Honorable Discharge on December 12, 2003 and is recognized as the first black female POW in US war history.

Since leaving the military, Johnson has become an advocate for veterans' rights and has shared her story through public speaking engagements. Her journey is chronicled in her memoir, "I'm Still Standing: From Captive U.S. Soldier to Free Citizen—My Journey Home."