39 soldiers awarded the Purple Heart after 2020 missile attack
A Purple Heart medal is seen during a Purple Heart ceremony. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
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UPDATED 2:59 PM PT – Thursday, December 9, 2021
The U.S. Army awarded Purple Hearts to 39 soldiers injured in the 2020 Iran missile attack on Al Asad Airbase in Iraq.
On Wednesday, the U.S. Army approved the Purple Hearts for those who were injured in an Iranian attack, most of whom suffered traumatic brain injuries. The award comes after an investigation found the soldiers wounded hadn’t been recognized and were denied benefits as a result.
Major Alan Johnson was one of the soldiers who lost his life in the attack. A special and heart-wrenching message for his son was later discovered.
“Hey buddy. If you’re seeing this video, some bad things happened to dad last night. So, I need you to be strong, okay? For mom. And just always know in your heart that I love you, okay? Bye buddy.”
The attack was the largest ballistic missile strike against American forces. The awards will assure the soldiers are given access to priority Veterans Affairs medical care, education, disability consideration and various state level benefits.
Picture taken on January 13, 2020 during a press tour organized by the U.S.-led coalition fighting the remnants of the Islamic State group, shows a view of the damage at Al Asad military airbase housing U.S. and other foreign troops in the western Iraqi province of Anbar. (Photo by AYMAN HENNA/AFP via Getty Images)
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