FORT BRAGG, N.C. (May 17, 2012) Sgt. B. Tyler Josey received the Purple Award today for wounds received in action on April 30, 2008, while a Soldier with the 4th Battalion, 64th Armored Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division.
The award was presented by Brig. Gen. Kenneth C. Roberts, deputy chief of staff for Operations, Aviation, and Maneuver Support at U.S. Army Forces Command, where Josey's father, Lt. Col. Sean Maloy, serves as the executive officer for the deputy chief of staff.
On April 28, 2008, during Operation Gold Rush, Joint Security Station-Sadr City, Iraq, fell under a devastating rocket attack. The explosions rocked the JSS, destroying the main building and blasting shrapnel, debris, and glass throughout then-Specialist Josey's room. The ten impacts gave him a severe concussion, although it was not assessed until later.
The following day, during a 12 hour firefight at JSS Tharwa II, Spc. Josey held his position on the roof with steadfast courage, amidst a barrage of rockets, mortars, small arms fire, and sniper fire. Due to his well-aimed and controlled fire, Josey engaged and eliminated the enemy fighters to the northeast of his position and demonstrated poise in this major firefight.
On April 30, during a barrier placement mission in an intense firefight, Spc. Josey's team leader was mortally wounded and several others Soldiers wounded. He was evacuated to the combat support hospital, where it was determined that he had suffered a traumatic brain injury, even though he had stayed in the fight.
For his involvement in the combat action 25 April thru 25 May 2008, Sgt. Josey was awarded the Army Commendation Medal with V-Device.
In a letter read during the Purple Heart ceremony, Josey's then-battalion commander, Col. Johnnie L. Johnson Jr., wrote: "It is my distinct honor to acknowledge your contributions and sacrifices in support of our mission in Iraq. . . . Congratulations, Sergeant Josey, on finally receiving your well-deserved Purple Heart!"
A native of Hickory, N.C., and currently living in Newton, N.C., Josey joined the Army in October 2005. He was honorably discharged in April 2010 and currently serves as a fire support specialist with the North Carolina Army National Guard's 20th Infantry Division (Mechanized).
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