Soldier from Waipahu receives Purple Heart in Afghanistan
Army Private 1st Class Edward Barut from Waipahu, Hawaii, was one of 12 service members recognized for actions taken Oct. 26 when their convoy was ambushed twice while traveling through Afghanistan’s Tangi Valley. The team successfully overcame a 45-minute complex attack in which insurgents used rocket propelled grenades (RPG), small arms fire and improvised explosive devices (IED).
Army Pfc. Edward Barut of Waipahu was among a dozen service members assigned to NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan honored Sunday for their actions during an ambush in Afghanistan’s Tangi Valley Wednesday.
Barut, who is assigned to the 1st Battalion, 21st Field Artillery, 41st Fires Brigade, out of Fort Hood, Texas, received a Purple Heart and Combat Action Badge. The type and extent of his injuries were not specified.
According to the command, Barut was taking part in a routine mission in the area when his convoy was ambushed twice. Barut and his team withstood a 45-minute attack by insurgents that involved rocket propelled grenades, small-arms fire and improvised explosive devices.
“These men and women were put in a tight situation, reacted very well, did what they were supposed to do and are all here today,” said Lt. Gen. William Caldwell IV during today’s ceremony.
The Purple Heart is given to military members wounded or killed while serving. Combat Action Badges are awarded to those who “personally engage the enemy or are engaged by the enemy during operations.”
