Monica's grandmother on CBS

Editor's note: The following is the original story aired on 11 News about the announcement that Spc. Monica Brown would be just the second woman since World War II to receive the Silver Star.

When 11 News arrived at Tangerine Court in Lake Jackson, Military Moms were planting a dozen flags in Katy Brown’s front yard.

“Brazoria County is very a patriotic,” said Mary Moreno with Military Moms.

AP

Spc. Monica Lin Brown from Lake Jackson Texas of 82 Air borne stands guard at a forwarded operating base in Khost, Afghanistan, Saturday, March 8, 2008.

They’re especially proud at the house where 11 News found Katy Brown.

You can call Brown the proudest grandmother in Brazoria County.

“Can I tell you how proud I am?" she said. "I think she’s a very exceptional girl.”

That exceptional girl is Brown’s 19-year-old granddaughter, Monica Lin Brown. 

She’s an Army medic in Afghanistan who is now a very famous Army medic.

That’s because a roadside bomb hit her convoy last April.

The Humvee behind her exploded and caught fire. 

Under enemy fire, Monica helped drag five injured soldiers to safety, and barked orders to the other soldiers to help her keep the men alive.

For that bravery she’s earned the Silver Star, one of the highest military honors. 

Monica is only the second woman to receive it since World War II.

“She just thinks that she did what she had to do and loves what she does and gets paid for it,” said Brown.

And she’s received one more award.

Monica was invited to attend college at West Point when her tour is through.

But with all this tough military talk, and military photos, Monica will always be Brown’s little girl.

“I call her a girl," Brown said. "She’s my grandbaby.”

A Lake Jackson grandbaby now with one of the highest military honors ever pinned to a hero’s chest.