men and women.It was an important military operation. A woman led it, and she did an outstanding job. —Marlin Fitzwater, White House spokespersonShe was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for Valor. 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 for her career and led to debates over women's rights in the military. As a result of 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. This fueled the Direct Ground Combat Definition and Assignment Rule issued by the Department of Defense in 1994. It excluded women from engaging in combat. It was not until January 24, 2013, that this rule was rescinded by Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta.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." Retirement Bray retired from the Army on April 16, 1991, due to a noncombat injury. She injured herself during training, at about the time she needed surgery for her hips. She claimed it was her fault because she carried too much weight during a training exercise. Personal life She married John Raymond "Randy" Bray III on December 6, 1983, whom she met while stationed in Germany. Bray is currently a recruiter in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. References 1960 births Living people Female United States Army officers Military personnel from North Carolina People from Sanford, North Carolina United States Army officers Western Carolina University alumni