We have a duty to remember their sacrifice - Cryptologic Technicians Earn Purple Hearts

Cryptologic Technician (Interpretive) 1st Class Aaron Windle, from Naval Security Group Activity (NSGA) San Diego, was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds suffered in Iraq January 29, 2005.

The medal was presented by Rear Adm. Joseph Maguire, commander of Naval Special Warfare Command, in a ceremony held at NSGA San Diego on March 1, 2005.

While on patrol, Windle’s unit surveyed a gap in a wall before passing, but as Windle passed through, he was shot just above the clavicle, knocking him down instantly. The unit’s corpsman responded immediately, using gauze to help stop the bleeding.

“When it happened, I did not know what was going on. I didn’t know where I was shot, or if it was serious," CTI1 Windle said. "It was an act of God, and I feel grateful to come through it as well as I did."

Since the Revolutionary War, the Purple Heart, the world's oldest military decoration in use, has been awarded to service members who have been wounded or killed during any action against an enemy of the United States.

NOTE: I have filed three separate requests (two under the Freedom of Information Act) with the Navy for a list of Cryptologic Technicians who have earned the Purple Heart in the Global War On Terror (Overseas Contingency Operations). The Navy (NNWC/OPNAV/Navy PAO) has yet to respond. If you are aware of a CT who has earned the Purple Heart, please leave me a comment.

NOTE 2: I received a note from Navy Safe Harbor - they don't maintain information on those wounded in combat. On 10 January 2010, I received a note from OPNAV stating that they are routing my request to another office for consideration.  (Update: on 20 October 2010 - 10 months after my initial request - still no answer from the Navy on the number of CTs awarded the Purple Heart in Iraq and Afghanistan).

I have 5 on my list so far.

CTT1 Steven P. Daugherty (deceased)
CTM3 Matt O'Bryant (deceased)
CTI1 Aaron Windle (shot)
CT2 Chad Kueser (mortar round) lost both legs
CTRCS (SW/FMF) David B. McLendon (deceased)