Fort Stewart LAR Receives Defense of Freedom Medal

By Mr. Mark Weiman (AMC)December 1, 2010

Fort Stewart LAR Receives Defense of Freedom Medal
Donald McClung, a TACOM logistics assistance representative assigned to the 406th Army Field Support Battalion - Fort Stewart (Ga.), is congratulated by Col. Johnny Johnston, 406th Army Field Support Brigade commander, after being presented with the ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Donald McClung, a logistics assistance representative assigned to the Army Sustainment Command's Army Field Support Battalion - Fort Stewart (Ga.), received the Defense of Freedom medal on Sept. 20.

McClung, a TACOM Life Cycle Management Command LAR since Jan. 2009, deployed with the 3rd Infantry Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team in May 2010. According to Stephen Lockridge, director of ASC's Logistics Assistance Program, McClung was in Iraq for 41 days when he was wounded by indirect rocket fire at Forward Operating Base Falcon.

The Defense of Freedom Medal was established by order of the Secretary of Defense in 2001 and is the civilian equivalent of the military's Purple Heart. It honors civilian employees injured or killed in the line of duty and recognizes the essential service of the civilian workforce as an integral part of the Department of Defense.

McClung was presented the award by Col. Johnny Johnston, 406th Army Field Support Brigade commander, at a ceremony held at Fort Stewart's Marne Garden.

"Heroes are not just people you read about in the newspaper," said Johnston. "They are brave civilian men and women who put their lives on the line every day."

Johnston also expressed his gratitude for McClung's service.

"You have joined a special brotherhood," said Johnston. "Though this is not the kind of medal that I usually like to hand out, thanks for everything you do and will continue to do."

(Jennifer Scales, Fort Stewart Public Affairs, contributed to the story)