Blackhawk Soldier receives Purple Heart

FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARRIOR, KIRKUK, Iraq- Cpl. Adam Seiffert, a gunner of 1st Platoon, Blackhawk Troop, 4th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, received the Purple Heart medal Oct. 2, an award given to U.S. troops who have been injured or killed in combat.

Seiffert was injured by a grenade thrown near his vehicle by an insurgent while his platoon was on a dismounted patrol in Mosul, June 6.

The attacker was shot by Staff Sgt. Homero Bazaldua and Spc. Ethan Wagner in response to the attack. Sgt. Andrew McConico, the senior medic for 2nd Platoon, Blackhawk Troop, 4th Sqdn., 9th Cav. Regt., treated the attacker, who survived his wounds and was turned over to Iraqi Security Forces.

"All their training paid off, it immediately kicked in at a fast pace," said Lt. Col. Andrew Shoffner, the commander of the 4th Sqdn., 9th Cav. Regt. "They each did their jobs well securing the area and evacuating their injured comrades."

Also injured during the attack were 1st Sgt. Brian Allen and Pfc. Thaddeus Hewitt.

"If I could sum this whole thing up, I would say that there is not a better bunch of guys to get blown up with," said Allen, the first sergeant for Blackhawk Troop.

The Purple Heart is the oldest medal still being given to U.S. military personnel. It was originally named the Badge of Military Merit by President George Washington in 1782.

"It's important for the Soldiers to receive their awards in front of their peers," said Shoffner. "It's part of the Army's tradition. It's good for their peers to get to see them awarded for their actions."