Pinning an honor: TF Bulldog commander awards Purple Hearts

Photo By Sgt. John Ortiz | Abilene, Texas native Staff Sgt. Christopher D. Carroll assigned to B Company, 443rd Civil Affairs Battalion, a U.S. Army Reserve unit based at Newport Navy Base, R.I., is awarded the Purple Heart Medal from Col. Mark H. Landes, the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division Commander on Forward Operating Base Shank on Nov. 12. Carroll was on the phone with his mother in the base morale center. He suffered a traumatic brain injury and eventually required a week of bed rest. Carroll struggled to react in the aftermath. “The first thing is we got in the bunker. Then we were just trying to maintain security and get people to the medics.” It was several hours before he was able to find a phone and tell his mother he was alive.”  

LOGAR PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

11.11.2011

Story by Maj. Terence Kelley 

3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division Public Affairs

LOGAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan—Two soldiers received the Purple Heart Medal for injuries sustained July 13 when an enemy explosion rocked Combat Outpost Dash-e-Towp.

Capt. Raphael D. Howard III of Worcester, Mass., and Staff Sgt. Christopher D. Carroll of Abilene, Texas were within 200 ft. of the blast that wounded dozens and demolished several buildings.

Both soldiers are members of B Company, 443rd Civil Affairs Battalion, a U.S. Army Reserve unit based at Newport Navy Base, R.I. The team coordinates development for Chak district in Wardak province, according to Howard.

Howard was asleep when shattered glass severely wounded his left knee. “I didn’t know I was hit until someone told me I was bleeding.” Howard was evacuated to a larger base for treatment. As he went in for evaluation, Howard says he was worried about Carroll and another member of the team who had been nearby.

At the time of the blast, Carroll was on the phone with his mother in the base morale center. He suffered a traumatic brain injury and eventually required a week of bed rest. Carroll struggled to react in the aftermath. “The first thing is we got in the bunker. Then we were just trying to maintain security and get people to the medics.” It was several hours before he was able to find a phone and tell his mother he was alive.”

“It’s my honor to present this award,” Col. Mark Landes, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division commander, told the two soldiers as he presented their medals. “The Purple Heart has a great history to it, all the way back to the Revolutionary War.” Landes also described the high regard with which Americans view the medal.

“I’m proud of both soldiers showing a lot of resolve,” said 1st Sgt. Patrick D. Bujold, B Company first sergeant. “Even afterwards, directly following the explosion, Sergeant Carroll worked very hard to rebuild, as the Army always does. Captain Howard returned to duty shortly after the blast and got right back in the fight. I’m very proud of both of them.”

• Date Taken: 11.11.2011
• Date Posted: 11.13.2011 07:12
• Story ID: 79980
• Location: LOGAR PROVINCE, AF