As we observe Memorial Day here in the U.S., we honor the brave service members who gave their lives in defense of our country. And while many names are known, too often the women who served—and died—remain overlooked.

As the founder of the Women in Publishing Summit, I’m passionate about helping women write stories that matter. And today, I want to take a moment to honor seven remarkable women who gave everything in service: women like Lori Piestewa, the first Native American woman killed in combat; Elizabeth Jacobson, the first female airman to die in Iraq; and Major Megan McClung, the first female Marine officer to fall in that war.

These women’s stories are powerful, courageous, and often untold. I believe they deserve books, biographies, films—but most of all, remembrance.

• Lori Piestewa (PEE-ess-tuh-wah) – First Native American woman killed in combat (Hopi tribe)
  
  
• Elizabeth Jacobson – First female airman killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom
  
  
• Ashley White-Stumpf – Cultural Support Team soldier featured in Ashley’s War
  
  
• Hilda Clayton – Combat photographer who captured her final moment
  
  
• Ramona Valdez – Young Latina Marine killed in Fallujah
  
  
• Jeannette Winters – Early Operation Enduring Freedom casualty
  
  
• Megan McClung – First female Marine officer killed in Iraq
  
  

• Write, share, and preserve the legacies of these incredible women
  
  
• Encourage young readers, writers, and researchers to explore women’s military history
  
  
• Follow Alexa and the Women in Publishing Summit for more ways to lift up powerful women’s stories