Linda L. Bray

Linda L. Bray (born 1960) is a former U.S. Army officer known for being the first woman in the United States military to lead troops into combat. She served in the Panama Invasion and during the Cold War. Bray's career started in 1982 and ended with her retirement in 1991.

Early life Bray was born in Sanford, North Carolina, and raised in Butner. She graduated from South Granville High School in Creedmoor, North Carolina. She attended Western Carolina University, in 1981, but didn't join the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) until 1983. Bray graduated with a degree in criminal justice in 1982, but returned in 1983 to earn a military science degree and fulfill her ROTC requirement. She qualified for a direct commission.

Career

Training Bray enrolled in Western Carolina University's ROTC program on May 15, 1983. In June 1983, she was commissioned a second lieutenant.

From November 1983 to 1987, Bray served with the 556th Military Police Company in Siegelsbach, West Germany. After that, she began training to be a training officer and then eventually became a personnel officer.

From December 1989 to April 1990 Bray was deployed to Panama for Operation Just Cause as commander of the 988th Military Police Company. President Bush ordered the Panama Invasion following the murder of a U.S. Marine at a road block by soldiers of the Panama Defense Force (PDF), and the kidnapping and torture of two other US citizens during the same incident. The reason for the invasion was to overthrow Panama's military dictator at the time, Manuel Noriega.

Bray and her platoon's objective was to neutralize an attack-dog kennel on the periphery of Panama City. Her team used a bullhorn to tell them to surrender and also fired warning shots.

Fallout The news about Bray was on the cover of many newspapers during the Panama Invasion. She claimed to have been surprised to see attention focused on her gender, rather than showcasing the accomplishments of the troops. This caused issues in her career and led to debates over women's rights in the military.

As a result of the experiences of women in Operation Just Cause, Rep. Patricia Schroeder drafted legislation (H.R. 3868) that would allow women to serve in combat on a test basis. It did not pass. It was not until January 24, 2013, that this rule was rescinded by Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta. Bray said she was "thrilled" and "excited" when the ban was lifted. "I think it's absolutely wonderful that our nation's military is taking steps to help women break the glass ceiling."

Personal life She married John Raymond "Randy" Bray III on January 4, 1985. The two had met while stationed in Germany in 1983.