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COMBAT CONTROLLER TO RECEIVE PURPLE HEART FOR COMBAT INJURIES

  • Published
An Air Force Special Operations Command airman will receive a Purple Heart during a ceremony at the Hurlburt Field Air Park at 9 a.m., Dec. 6.

The Combat Controller is the first Air Force person to receive the medal for injuries received in supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. The staff sergeant suffered a perforated eardrum during a bombing incident involving a Taliban uprising at a fortress in Afghanistan. Four Army soldiers, also injured in the incident, were presented their Purple Hearts at a ceremony in Germany, Dec. 1.

Staff Sgt. Michael, whose last name is not being released due to operational security reasons, participated in the ceremony but opted to receive his medal at Hurlburt Field where his family could attend.

The Purple Heart, a combat decoration, is awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who are wounded in combat.

Lt. Gen. Maxwell C. Bailey, AFSOC commander, will present the Purple Heart to the Combat Controller.

Media interviews with General Bailey and the sergeant are available after the ceremony. Media interested in attending the ceremony should call 1st Lt. Jeff Roberts, at AFSOC Public Affairs, (850) 884-5515.