I watched Star Wars earlier enough (and often enough!) that I don't have clear memories of the first time I saw/understood a lot of it; it's always been part of my fannish mindscape. (I do remember the first time I realized there were no female X-wing pilots; I was in my teens, and it really irritated me...)

But Leia, yes! I love that she's not one of the classic warrior women (not that I don't love them, too, but) - she's not a better fighter than the guys, but she's fully capable of picking up a blaster and doing what needs doing.