FORT STEWART, GA -- More than a year after his uparmored humvee was struck with a powerful roadside bomb; Spc. Danny Segui, 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds he received during the attack.

The Purple Heart was presented by Maj. Gen. Tony Cucolo, 3rd Infantry Division commanding general, and Georgia Congressman John Barrow, Dec. 5 at Marne Garden.

Barrow commended Segui on his sacrifice to his country and his choice to serve the nation.

"Unlike a doctor, lawyer, or preacher, folks who take up a call to arms are willing to lay down their lives," said Barrow.

On Nov. 1, 2007, Segui, an infantryman, was the gunner of a humvee in a neighborhood in downtown Baghdad during a mounted combat patrol. During the patrol, an explosively-formed projectile was detonated near the front of the truck, shooting an array of molten copper at the truck. Segui received a puncture wound to his upper left arm and abrasions to his head. He was taken to a combat support hospital in the Green Zone for treatment. He returned to his unit soon afterward.

Barrow said the presentation of the Purple Heart not only recognizes Segui but also his brothers-in-arms.

"I think folks who earn this award represent not just themselves but their buddies' wounds in action," he said.

Although it took a year to be presented the award, Segui said he was happy to be recognized and was happy that his Family could be in attendance at the presentation. He is married with three children.

"It's very special that they were here," Segui said.

Segui's wife, Cindy, said when she heard last year that her husband had been wounded, she instantly started to cry, but a year later she said she was proud to see her husband in formation receiving his award.

"I cannot explain it; it feels good knowing that people appreciate his service," she said.

Segui, who was born in New York but lived most of his life in Puerto Rico, said being wounded in combat didn't alter his mind set about the Army. He recently re-enlisted and plans on making the Army a career.

"I'm always ready to fight for my country," he said. "I want to continue to fight for my country."

Even though he has been wounded in combat, Segui said his Family supported his decision to stay in the Army.

His wife made it clear about earning another Purple Heart, though.

"She told me that I didn't need another one; one is enough," he said.