Murfreesboro soldier honored with Purple Heart in Iraq on The Murfreesboro Post

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Murfreesboro soldier honored with Purple Heart in Iraq

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Posted: Thursday, June 4, 2009 10:34 am

Murfreesboro soldier honored with Purple Heart in Iraq | Hosfelt, Iraq, Guardsman

Staff Sgt. Thomas Hosfelt, is presented the Purple Heart by Brig. Gen. Max Haston, Assistant Adjutant General of the Tennessee Army National Guard, at Forward Operating Base Mosul, Iraq.

MOSUL, Iraq - Staff Sgt. Thomas Hosfelt, a squad leader in the Tennessee National Guard’s 269th Military Police Company from Murfreesboro, was awarded the Purple Heart during a ceremony at Forward Operating Base Mosul on May 28 for injuries he sustained while serving in Iraq.

On Feb. 24 of this year, Hosfelt and his squad were conducting an inspection visit at an Iraqi Police Station in Mosul when two men wearing Iraqi police uniforms opened fire on the team with AK 47 assault rifles. While shot in the right side of his face and in his upper left shoulder, Hosfelt returned fire as the assailants fled the scene.

He then administered first aid to the wounded, and coordinated with other units to secure the area and transport his soldiers to the hospital. 1st Lt. William E. Emmert, from Fayetteville, was killed during the attack and three other Tennessee Guardsmen, including Hosfelt, were wounded. Hosfelt’s injuries allowed him to remain in Iraq and return to duty.

The other two wounded Guardsmen are currently receiving medical care in the United States and received their Purple Hearts at earlier ceremonies.

“I’m proud of the job our soldiers are doing in Iraq, and I’m especially proud of this young Tennessean,” said Brig. Gen. Max Haston, Assistant Adjutant General of the Tennessee Army National Guard. “Without hesitation, Hosfelt placed himself in harm’s way to help his fellow soldiers.”

Haston was in Mosul visiting Tennessee Guardsmen and personally presented the Murfreesboro soldier with the award.

The Purple Heart is one of the most widely recognized and respected medals. It was established by General George Washington at Newburgh, New York, during the Revolutionary War on August 7th, 1782. Originally created as a Badge of Military Merit, the Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to any member of the U.S. Armed Forces who has been wounded or killed during combat with a declared enemy.

“I was just doing my job,” said Hosfelt. “I volunteered to deploy and I’m proud of the job the 269th Military Police Company is doing in Iraq. But the real heroes of that day were my squad.” The 269th Military Police Company is scheduled to return to Tennessee in November 2009.

Tagged under Guardsman, Hosfelt, Iraq

Member Opinions:

By: wth554 on 6/4/09
Good job Tommy. Be up there soon. Knight 32A

By: blues2 on 6/4/09
God Bless these guys in uniform.

By: Dave42 on 6/5/09
Thank you for your service Sergent, it is appreciated more than you know. And for those who have lost a loved one or know of someone who has, go to www.HonorandRemember.org. It is a new nationa symbol to recognize all who gave all in military service to our country.