The Valor of Combat Wounded Veterans

Photo By Sgt. Collin MacKown | U.S. Army veteran Ian Ives, who was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), lies in a Walter Reed hospital bed while recovering from wounds he got in combat on November, 2019, Joint Base Lewis-McChord. On the left of Ives is T.J. Oshie, a pro hockey player with the Washington Capitals, his favorite player, and on his right is his wife, Rebecca Ives. (Photo courtesy of Ian Ives)  

FORT CARSON, CO, UNITED STATES

08.03.2022

Story by Spc. Collin MacKown 

14th Public Affairs Detachment

FORT CARSON, Colo. – The 4th Infantry Division celebrates Purple Heart Day, Aug. 7, which recognizes the acts of meritorious service performed by Soldiers in combat. This earned them the Purple Heart Medal which was founded Aug. 7, 1782, by former Commander-in-Chief, Gen. George Washington.
The Purple Heart Medal is designed to commemorate acts of bravery, and to honor fallen Soldiers for their service to the United States. As stated on the United States Army Human Resources Command website, the Purple Heart Medal is presented to members of the Armed Forces who have been killed, wounded, or will die from their wounds.
Over two million Soldiers have received the Purple Heart Medal throughout the Army, for their dedicated service to the United States. Many soldiers and veterans can agree that there is nothing like being in a combat zone.
“It’s unlike anything I have ever encountered,” says Bill Redmond, who retired as a first lieutenant Vietnam veteran, who was assigned to the 4th Infantry Division. “It was hard to believe, and until you see all the horror and poverty, you don’t realize just how significant of an impact it has on your life.”
Redmond was drafted in 1965, and graduated Officer Candidate School (OCS) in May of 1967, and then was deployed to Vietnam. He served for three years as a Transportation Officer, and then was wounded while in combat which earned him the Purple Heart.
“I spent about 10 months in Walter Reed hospital, and I lost part of my left hand,” says Redmond. “It’s dangerous work and so many things can go wrong, very quickly. I remember being so relieved and thankful when I finally saw the medevac coming to get me.”
Many Soldiers and veterans have stories and wounds that reflect all that they have done for our country. War changes the lives of so many who serve, and that is why the Purple Heart exists, to honor the wounded and fallen.
Bill Redmond isn’t the only Veteran to have gone through an experience such as this. Ian Ives, a retired Mass Communications staff sergeant, who was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), is another Purple Heart recipient who dedicated 11 years to the U.S. Army.
“I received the Purple Heart due to an injury I received from an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) that detonated two feet from me while on a dismount patrol in Afghanistan,” says Ives. “The blast traumatically amputated my right arm; severely damaged my face, neck, right eye, abdomen and my upper right leg. I spent a total of 11 months in Walter Reed Military Hospital recovering, relearning how to walk, eat and how to navigate life as an upper limb amputee.”
Ives’ courage and determination allowed him to recover from his wounds and serve two additional years of active duty in the Army. He got as far as passing the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) with no alternative events.
“I was exposed to the more violent aspects of war, however, I feel that my time at war was worth it,” says Ives. “I don’t regret serving in any capacity. My life isn’t over, I just increased the difficulty of life and sometimes working through problems being one-handed is fun.”
The legacy of selflessness is apparent in all the stories of those who have received the Purple Heart Medal.
“What I did was insignificant to what others did,” says Redmond. “I don’t have any regrets and if I had to do it over again, I’d do it the same way. Freedom is worth fighting for!”
August 7 signifies Purple Heart Day, in which we take a moment to acknowledge the stories of bravery from Soldiers and veterans that show just what receiving a Purple Heart means.

• Date Taken: 08.03.2022
• Date Posted: 08.05.2022 14:50
• Story ID: 426472
• Location: FORT CARSON, CO, US