Purple Heart Medal awarded to Arkansas veteran for Iraq tour
BROOKLAND, Ark. (KTAL/KMSS) — A retired Arkansas National Guard NCO received a long-overdue Purple Heart Medal on May 27.
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Retired Sergeant 1st Class Joe J. Shelby was deployed to Iraq from July 19, 2006, to October 12, 2007. While there, he served as a platoon sergeant with Alpha Co., 875th Engineer Battalion, in Balad, conducting route clearance mission.
Retired Sgt. 1st Class Joe Shelby presented with Purple Heart Medal (Courtesy: Arkansas National Guard)
Shelby sustained seven separate improvised explosive device blasts over the course of his tour, which resulted in traumatic brain injuries and concussions.
On January 9, 2007, Shelby’s vehicle sustained a direct improvised explosive device (IED) strike while leading his platoon. The vehicle was rendered fully inoperable and caused significant injuries.
Retired Sgt. 1st Class Shelby was awarded the Purple Heart, the nation’s oldest medal, during an intimate ceremony in front of family, friends, and military members.
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