Purple Heart Medal Awarded to JMRC Soldier

By Staff Sgt. Christopher ShanleyMarch 19, 2017

Purple Heart Medal is awarded to JMRC Soldier
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Maj. Gen. Timothy McGuire, Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Europe (USAREUR) presents U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Anthony S. Buchheit, an infantry noncommissioned officer with the Timberwolves Observer, Coach, Trainer (OCT) Team, Joint Multinational... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Purple Heart Medal is awarded to JMRC Soldier
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Maj. Gen. Timothy McGuire (left), Deputy Commanding General of U.S. Army Europe (USAREUR), U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Anthony S. Buchheit (CTR), an infantry Soldier with the Timberwolves Observer, Coach, Trainer (OCT) Team, Joint Multinational Readines... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

HOHENFELS, Germany -- U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Anthony S. Buchheit, an infantry noncommissioned officer with the Timberwolves Observer, Coach, Trainer (OCT) Team, Joint Multinational Readiness Center, was awarded The Purple Heart Medal in a ceremony held at the Timberwolves headquarters, March 18, 2017.

Buchheit was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds he received on Aug. 15, 2006, in action in Iraq.

At the time, Buchheit was an M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle (BFV) commander in Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment. He described how a routine patrol suddenly became dangerous.

"It was a patrol in Ramadi. We were just doing a regular, everyday patrol," said Bucheit. "We ended up hitting a pretty big IED; it destroyed my Bradley."

Buchheit spoke of his injuries for which he was awarded his Purple Heart. The concussion of the IED explosion lifted Buchheit out of his Bradley.

He was unable to recall what followed until medically evacuated for lacerations and a fractured jaw because of the incident. He added that he was the only member of his crew injured that day.

Buchheit was presented the award by Maj. Gen. Timothy McGuire, Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Europe (USAREUR). Also present for the occasion were members of Buchheit's family and around 40 of his fellow Timberwolves. As the ceremony ended, he expressed sincere gratitude.

"Thanks for being here," said Buchheit.

The Purple Heart is awarded to members of the armed forces of the U.S. who are wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy and posthumously to the next of kin in the name of those who are killed in action or die of wounds received in action. It is specifically a combat decoration.