Iraq: Honored female soldiers tell their own stories.

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A fascinating and beautifully produced audio and photography feature on nytimes.com profiling women soldiers in Iraq.

Before 2001, ground combat was rare for American female soldiers, but Iraq and Afghanistan have changed that. Three women who were commended for their performance in combat reflect on their experiences.

Above, specialist Veronica Alfaro. Her story is riveting, as are the others presented here.

Women at Arms: In Their Own Words (audio and photo slideshow)

G.I. Jane Breaks the Combat Barrier (related article)

(Thanks, Susannah Breslin)