Sp4c Selian A. Diaz a.k.a. Pretty Rican (June 10, 1984-April 4, 2004) born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, was the first native born Puerto Rican female soldier to die in a combat zone.
Bronze Star Medal
Selian was born in the U.S. Army hospital at Fort Buchanan in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Her parents were active in the military when she was born. Selian was raised and received her primary and secondary education in Caguas . Upon graduating from high school she joined the Army.
She was assigned to the 21st Combat Support Hospital based at Fort Hood, Texas. When she was deployed and sent to Iraq, she met and became close friends with Sp4c Frances M. Vega. They both shared alot in common, thier Puerto Rican background, military famlies and they were both married to military men.
On November 2, 2003, Salian was devastated upon learning about the death of her friend, little did she know what fate had in store for her. On April 4, 2004, Salian died when a convoy in which she and seven other soldiers were riding in came under attack near Baghdad, Iraq.
Salian A. Diaz was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart Medals. She was buried with full military honors in the National Cemetery of Bayamon, Puerto Rico close to her friend Frances M. Vega.
See also
Last updated: 10-12-2005 06:56:04
