Precise work in dangerous places: Purple Heart ceremony sheds light on the work of Quiet Professionals in Northwest Africa

Photo By Staff Sgt. Jasmonet Holmes | U.S. Africa Command Commander, General Stephen J. Townsend and Master Sgt. Steven Corley pose for a photo during a Purple Heart ceremony April 8, 2022, Stuttgart, Germany. Corley was wounded during an attack while serving as the leader of a six-person team in northwest Africa. The Purple Heart medal is one of the U.S. military’s oldest medals dating back to 1782. It recognizes military members who were wounded or killed in combat. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jasmonet Holmes)  

STUTTGART, BW, GERMANY

04.08.2022

Courtesy Story

Special Operations Command Africa

Stuttgart, Germany – In a rare public recognition of U.S. special operations
forces in Africa, Master Sgt. Steven Corley, an intelligence noncommissioned
officer with 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne), was
awarded the Purple Heart during a ceremony in Stuttgart, Germany, April 8,
2022.

The Purple Heart medal is one of the U.S. military’s oldest medals dating
back to 1782. It recognizes military members who were wounded or killed in
combat.

Master Sgt. Corley earned the award in January of 2022 while serving as the
leader of a six-person team in northwest Africa where he was responsible for
intelligence exploitation and integration with partners and allies. Though
wounded in an attack on base where he was assigned, he assisted partner
forces in locating the point from which his element was attacked.

“Wherever you look in Africa, when it’s somewhere tough or dangerous,
SOCAFRICA is there,” said Gen. Stephen Townsend, AFRICOM commander. “Master
Sergeant Corley did what U.S. forces typically do when wounded, stay in the
fight until they pass out or are instructed to stand down.”

Master Sgt. Corley was medically evacuated the following day and has spent
his time since the attack focusing on physical recovery and staying in the
fight from SOCAFRICA headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany.

“This has been an amazing rotation in seeing how much the battalion has done
for the mission,” said Master Sgt. Corley. “I especially want to thank my
family, my battalion, and the staff at Landstuhl [military hospital],
especially the rehab team, for doing an amazing job taking care of me. I’m
very fortunate to be here to accept this medal.”

Special Operations Command Africa engages with partner-force militaries on
the African continent daily, both in person and virtually.

“Master Sgt. Corley’s service and sacrifice are indicative of the great work
our teams do across the continent,” said Rear Adm. Milton J. Sands III,
Special Operations Commander Africa commander. “We have folks in Africa who
are in harm’s way to ensure we see threats coming that could threaten our
nation. There are those out in the world who would attack America – Special
Operations Command Africa service members, like Master Sgt. Corley, stands
as a sentinel.”

Master Sgt. Corley joined the U.S. Army in September 2001, enlisting in 2nd
Battalion 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Mississippi Army National
Guard. He has deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom six times,
including three times to Afghanistan, once to Lebanon, and currently serving
his second tour with Special Operations Task Force – Northwest Africa under
Special Operations Command Africa.

Some of his previous awards and decorations include two Bronze Stars, a
Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, six Army
Commendation Medals, and the Humanitarian Assistance Medal for Hurricane
Katrina.

• Date Taken: 04.08.2022
• Date Posted: 04.08.2022 15:01
• Story ID: 418146
• Location: STUTTGART, BW, DE