BOARD DATE: 11 July 2017 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20160011211 BOARD VOTE: ____x_____ ___x____ ___x_____ GRANT FULL RELIEF ________ ________ ________ GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF ________ ________ ________ GRANT FORMAL HEARING ________ ________ ________ DENY APPLICATION 2 Enclosures 1. Board Determination/Recommendation 2. Evidence and Consideration BOARD DATE: 11 July 2017 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20160011211 BOARD DETERMINATION/RECOMMENDATION: The Board determined the evidence presented is sufficient to warrant a recommendation for relief. As a result, the Board recommends that all Department of the Army records of the individual concerned be corrected by: a. awarding him the Purple Heart for wounds received as a result of hostile action in Afghanistan on 21 July 2008; b. awarding him the Purple Heart for wounds received as a result of hostile action in Afghanistan on 16 August 2008; and b. adding award of the Purple Heart (2nd Award) to his DD Form 214 for the period ending 4 September 2017. ____________x_____________ CHAIRPERSON I certify that herein is recorded the true and complete record of the proceedings of the Army Board for Correction of Military Records in this case. BOARD DATE: 11 July 2017 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20160011211 THE BOARD CONSIDERED THE FOLLOWING EVIDENCE: 1. Application for correction of military records (with supporting documents provided, if any). 2. Military Personnel Records and advisory opinions (if any). THE APPLICANT'S REQUEST, STATEMENT, AND EVIDENCE: 1. The applicant requests, in effect, award of the Purple Heart (PH) for a traumatic brain injury (TBI) he received in Afghanistan during the period 2008-2009. 2. The applicant states: a. It appears that the supporting documentation regarding the two blasts he sustained during a 27-day period from 21 July 2008 to 16 August 2008 in Afghanistan may not have been initially reviewed. b. His TBI diagnosis, along with secondary mortalities, has been determined to be directly related to his concussions that he received during direct combat. All documents are provided that confirm his sustained trauma to the brain, resulting in his injuries. 3. The applicant provides: * examination record, dated 3 May 2013 * occupational therapy summary, dated 1 October 2013 * TBI Warrior Resiliency and Recovery Center (WRRC) Multidisciplinary Disposition Sheet, dated 12 December 2013 * medical records * sworn statements * awards * letters of recommendations * memorandum for record from the Division Surgeon, Headquarters, Division West, First Army * DA Form 4187 (Personal Action) * memorandum from U.S. Army Human Resources Command (HRC) CONSIDERATION OF EVIDENCE: 1. The applicant had prior service in the U.S. Army Reserve (USAR). On 27 May 1999, he enlisted in the Regular Army. After initial entry training, he was awarded military occupational specialty 11B (Infantryman). 2. Section 1 (Assignment Information – Overseas Deployment Combat Duty) of the applicant's Enlisted Record Brief, dated 1 March 2017, shows he was deployed to the following countries: * Iraq – 6 March 2003 to 20 November 2003 (9 months) * Afghanistan – 12 March 2008 to 15 March 2009 (12 months * Afghanistan – 24 August 2010 to 26 March 2010 (7 months) 3. The evidence of record shows the applicant was awarded the Silver Star (SS). The citation states, "for gallantry in action on 16 August 2008, while serving as a Dismounted Reconnaissance Platoon Sergeant for Troop C, 1st Battalion, 61st Cavalry Regiment, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). Refusing treatment for his own wounds, he assembled two medics to accompany him on a rescue attempt. With complete disregard for his own safety, he ignored incoming grenades and enemy fire and crossed open ground to within several meters of the enemy position, ultimately killing two insurgents with fragmentation grenades…the medics successfully recovered the wounded teammate." 4. The applicant provided: a. Three sworn statements as follows, in part: (1) applicant: "On 16 AUG 2008 at approximately 0100z our (3rd) platoon arrived at Sewak DC [District Center] for a QRF [quick reaction force] mission for BDA [battle damage assessment]. Upon our arrive [sic] at the District Center…was engaged in a small arms fire fight with AK-47s, RPG [rocket-propelled grenade]…east of the D.C…While moving down to the low ground I heard a loud explosion and a high volume of fire to my left flank about 50 meters away. I saw 1SG [First Sergeant] H____ get slammed back to the ground. The enemy threw a second hand grenade in a ditch toward my direction throwing debra [debris] all over and around SPC [Specialist] S____ and myself. I felt a sharp pain in my left knee and a little dazed from the explosion…" (2) Second Lieutenant B____: "Late on the night of 15AUG2008 I was called to the TOC [tactical operations center] at FOB [Forward Operating Base] Wilderness to prepare my platoon to respond to the report that Shwak [Sewak] District Center was being overrun by a Taliban element….[Applicant] was visibly limping and in a great deal of pain from a knee injury. I asked him what had happened, and if he needed any help. He told me he thought a piece of shrapnel might have hit him in the knee, but that he wasn't' worried about it and he flatly refused any medical attention." (3) SPC S____: "On 16 AUG 08 3rd Platoon was sent out on a QRF mission to the Sewak DC. Upon our arrival we heard an exchange of small arms fire from near the cell tower at the top of the hill….During our movement the enemy threw another grenade and debris landing on [Applicant] and me. As we were moving, I noticed that [Applicant] was limping. I asked him what had happened and he said something had hit his knee, but he was fine and we needed to get to 1SG H____." b. A self-authored letter, dated 13 November 2014, described the circumstances that contributed to being diagnosed and treated for a TBI. He was in two blasts within 27 days from each other and experienced continuing blasts and falls afterwards. (1) The first significant explosion was on or about 21 July 2008. At Command Observation Post (COP) Wilderness during the summer months, the COP would regularly be attacked by indirect fire from the enemy. On the 21 July 2008, the base was being hit several times a day. An enemy mortar round landed on the outside of their bunker, 2 to 5 feet away. The impact of the rounds threw him into the sandbags and bounced him off the wall and onto the ground face first. He hit his head hard on something and he remembers not being able to see or breathe for what felt like hours. He was later told he had a concussion. (2) The second significant explosion he received was during an enemy engagement on 16 August 2008 by an enemy fragmentation grenade at the Sewak DC that was being overrun by a Taliban element. The second enemy grenade detonated approximately 10 meters from his location, resulting in him being knocked off his feet and sustaining a shrapnel injury to his left knee. c. A memorandum for commander issued by Headquarters, 1st Battalion 383rd Regiment, Des Moines, IA, dated 16 March 2015, subject: Request of the PH Being Awarded to (Applicant), shows the applicant's commanding officer recommended award of the PH for injuries he sustained in combat against an armed enemy of the United States. The memorandum states, "After reviewing all of the supporting artifacts, medical records, DA 2823's, Sworn Statements, and a personal interview with [applicant], I find that the awarding of the Purple Heart Medal is justified and warranted. The injuries that [Applicant] sustained are the direct result of enemy action and reflect great personal bravery and selfless service that he has provided to the United States Army and the people of the United States of America." d. A DA Form 4187 submitted by the applicant's commander, dated 17 August 2015, recommended approval of the PH for wounds/injuries he received in action on 21 July 2008 and on 16 August 2008 during a mortar attack (concussion) and for a shrapnel wound to his left knee and concussion caused directly by the enemy. e. A memorandum for record issued by Headquarters, Division West, First Army, Fort Hood, TX, dated 28 October 2015, subject: Retrograde (should read Retroactive) Submission of the PH for (Applicant), which states, "There is clear evidence that [applicant] suffered multiple blast exposures with concussive injury during his deployments in 2008 and 2010 while in Afghanistan. He sustained multiple close range blast exposures with mild Concussions with possible loss of consciousness...There are no available medical records for review from the reported time of the incident. During this period of the conflict, it was not uncommon for medical documentation to be lost or not incorporated into the patient's permanent medical record as documentation was mainly done on paper and [applicant] was located at a remote FOB [forward operating base] in Afghanistan…Per AR 600-8-22, 2-8g. (5) [Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards), paragraph 2-8g], a concussion qualifies for award of the PH. This Soldier['s] injury meets criteria for award of the Purple Heart given his documented injuries and based upon current guidelines he would have required limit[ed] duty profiling for recovery at the time of his blast exposures." 5. Medical records provided by the applicant show that from 3 October 2013 to 2 December 2013, he received ongoing treatment for a variety of chronic health problems, to include TBI. 6. The applicant provided a Standard Form 600 (Chronological Record of Medical Care), dated 2 December 2013, which states, "Soldier has had multiple tours to Iraq and Afghanistan. He has a hx [history] of blast exposures from Grenades (has shrapnel injuries), IED [improvised explosive device] blasts, Mortar blasts, RPG's, Vehicle rollovers, in Iraq and Afghanistan. Soldier has a total of 3 deployments with 2 x Afghanistan and 1 x Iraq. His first tour in Afghanistan, [in] 2008, he received a Purple Heart (award not received) and a Silver Star. In 2010 he was involved in a IED blast…As he came around the corner of a building[,] a security vehicle [went] by him when an IED was detonated beside the building. The IED detonated approx[imately] 25M[eters] in front of him. The blast killed 8 Soldiers. Soldier feels these were the worst blast he experienced. States he has had difficult since his first blast in 2003 in Iraq when he hit his head in a vehicle rollover from an IED blast. States he always had a very good memory and no difficulties studying until after the 2003 blast/rollover." 7. The applicant provided an occupational therapy summary, dated 1 October 2013, which states in his discharge summary, "S[ervice] M[ember] [SM] unavailable for formal discharge of TBI Occupational Therapy. SM demonstrated gradual improvements over course of treatment sessions and is working toward independence with ocular motor exercises. SM was encouraged to continue independent home exercise program. SM overall performance was exceptional considering maximally dynamic circumstance in life. Despite not having formal evaluation finding, it appears this SM is a RTD (return to duty) candidate, notwithstanding ongoing symptoms such as ocular motor inefficiencies and headaches." 8. The applicant provided a TBI/Warrior Resiliency and Recovery Center (WRRC) Multidisciplinary Disposition Sheet, dated 12 December 2013, which shows his disposition as post-concussive syndrome, medically acceptable, and administrative discharge to his permanent change of station (PCS). 9. The applicant provided supporting documentation from a division surgeon, dated 28 October 2015, which states the applicant suffered multiple close-range blast exposures with mild concussive injury during his deployments. 10. The applicant submitted a memorandum to HRC requesting award of the PH. 11. On 4 March 2016, HRC responded to the applicant's request for a PH and denied his request, stating, "After a thorough review of the information provided, the award of the PH for this particular event does not meet the statutory guidance in accordance with Army Regulation 600-8-22, paragraph 2-8. Medical documentation for these incidents were not submitted nor could be located within Armed Forces Health Longitudinal Technical Application (AHLTA). There were multiple clinical encounters in 2011 and 2012, but they were primarily for musculoskeletal complaints and without reference to or complaint of TBI symptoms." 12. During the processing of this request, an advisory opinion was obtained from the ABCMR Staff Psychologist, dated 2 December 2016, which states: a. Military medical records indicated the applicant first sought medical treatment for TBI symptoms in 2013, following a referral from the sleep clinic. He attributed the delay in seeking treatment to working long hours per week as a 1SG and being concerned that treatment would interfere with work demands. b. Medical notes, dated 22 February 2013 and 18 March 2013, indicated he endorsed cognitive and sleep problems, a history of IED blasts, mortar blasts, and a vehicle rollover. He was diagnosed with memory lapses or losses due to a loss of memory, fatigue, sleep problems, difficulty with reading comprehension, minor balance difficulties, occasional dizziness, occasional tinnitus, and difficulty with concentration, staying on track in conversations, and with word finding. c. Medical notes, dated 22 March 2013, indicated he was in need of a TBI evaluation due to headaches and sleep disturbance. He was evaluated for and received a diagnosis of TBI on 2 April 2013. He reported that following his last deployment, he noticed headaches, difficulty with short-term memory, forgetting conversation, vision problems, difficulty staying on track, misplacing items, fatigue, and sleep difficulty. d. Medical notes, dated 6 May 2013 indicated he was unable to fully maintain his treatment plan and participate in the TBI treatment program due to work and family constraints, to include a possible upcoming deployment and his wife's treatment for stage IV breast cancer. He resumed TBI treatment in September 2013 until his PCS in December 2013. Treatment entailed occupational therapy, vision therapy, psychology, speech, and language therapy. e. A TBI/WRRC Multidisciplinary Disposition Sheet dated 12 December 2013, indicated the applicant was medically cleared to PCS with a diagnosis of post-concussive syndrome. No further medical notes regarding TBI are available until 22 July 2016, at which time the applicant was reevaluated for TBI symptoms and diagnosed with post-concussive syndrome. f. The opinion is based on the information the applicant provided and the use of the DOD electronic medical records AHLTA system. Based on a thorough review of available medical records, there is sufficient evidence to determine that the applicant meets the criteria for TBI. Although medical records are not present for the time-period of blasts injuries, supporting documentation from his command, to include the division surgeon and memorandums regarding his medical symptoms and combat exposure, support his claim that a TBI diagnosis was sustained and identified during his time in service. It is fitting that the applicant's TBI diagnosis be considered for retroactive submission of a PH. 13. The applicant was provided a copy of the advisory opinion and he responded on 1 January 2017, stating: a. He continues to battle the effects of the concussions sustained and documented in the reports previously submitted. However, he feels the information submitted would benefit from a clarification of the timeline of events. The concussions he sustained have culminated in residual life-altering effects that he experiences on a daily basis. Including, but not limited to, the inability to engage in any activity that may bring about a sudden or sharp movement to his head, such as impact work (hammering, mailing, chopping wood), impact sports, and family activities as simple as riding bumper cars and go-carts. But, even more importantly, he finds this restricts his options for future employment as his memory, recall, and abilities continue to deteriorate. b. The information on the initial concussion occurring during the mortar attack on 21 July 2008 was evidenced by the senior medic who treated him at a time when documentation and a diagnosis of TBI referenced a post-concussion syndrome. His symptoms were loss of consciousness, headaches, and vision disturbances. c. On 16 August 2008, he sustained the second concussion from a direct hit by an enemy fragmentation grenade which detonated approximately 10 meters from his location. The impact threw him to the ground resulting in a strong vision disturbances including seeing stars, and being dazed and confused, ringing of his ears and the inability to focus for several minutes. He also sustained shrapnel to his left knee during the attack. He rendered self-help to his knee and refused subsequent aid and medical evacuation so he could ensure the extraction of his platoon back to the COP through 9 kilometers of treacherous roads and terrain. After ensuring the safety of his men, he enlisted the aid of the medic who treated his knee injury. The medic stated that in his opinion, this second concussion compounded the effects of the first one and he should take it easy for a few days. He continued to battle recurring headaches, extreme light sensitivity, and vision disturbances. There is no documentation trails for his concussion or his knee injury due to the lack of time and the need for others to be seen and treated as well. d. On 8 November 2010, he sustained the third and fourth concussive events. As the platoon sergeant, he was a thrown to the ground approximately 15 meters from the blast of the IED and everything went dark. When he awoke, he was disoriented and unable to regain his breath for a time. His vision was dark and everything was in slow motion as his senses began to return. He rallied himself to treat and evacuate the wounded. While doing this, he continued to be dizzy and did not fully have control of his faculties. One of his Soldiers had apparent life-threatening injuries, and he believed if he could just get the Soldier out of there, then the Soldier could be saved. During this attempt, he fell backward off the irrigation wall and landed on his cervical spine. He felt his head slam into the surface of the compacted dirt and subsequently lost control of his senses again. His Soldier and all of his gear landed on top of him as well. After his men freed him of the weight, they assisted him to his feet and continued to see to the safety of his Soldier. The applicant was evaluated by the platoon medic who based his treatment on the signs and symptoms of his concussions and his back pain with the medicine naproxen and Motrin. He immediately noted sleep disturbances and even greater light sensitivity combined with recurring headaches. Again, field documentation was not completed. e. In April 2011 after exhausting all non-invasive remedies for his continual back pain and headaches, he agreed to injection treatments and still receives them to this day. f. His sleep disturbances continued to be exacerbated until he agreed to undergo a polysomography, which revealed central sleep apnea, decreased oxygen levels, and obstructive events as well. It was determined that this development was also attributed to his concussions and he was now recognized as having TBI resulting from the repeated concussions sustained and compounded over the previously noted events. He began TBI treatment in April 2013 and has continued with TBI therapies since that time. 14. On 28 February 2017, the applicant was placed on the Retired List. He completed 21 years, 1 month, and 3 days of total active duty service. His DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) for the period ending on 28 February 2017 shows: * item 12f (Record of Service – Foreign Service) – 0002  09  27 * item 23 (Type of Separation) – Retirement * item 24 (Character of Service) – Honorable * item 25 (Separation Authority) – Army Regulation 635-200, Chapter 12 * item 28 (Narrative Reason for Separation) – Sufficient for Retirement REFERENCES: 1. Army Regulation 600-8-22, dated 25 June 2015, states the PH is awarded for a wound sustained in action against an enemy or as a result of hostile action. A wound is defined as an injury to any part of the body from an outside force or agent sustained under one or more of the conditions listed above. A physical lesion is not required. However, the wound for which the award is made must have required treatment, not merely examination, by a medical officer. Additionally, treatment of the wound will be documented in the service member's medical and/or health record. Award of the PH may be made for wounds treated by a medical professional other than a medical officer provided a medical officer includes a statement in the service member's medical record that the extent of the wounds was such that they would have required treatment by a medical officer if one had been available to treat them. a. Paragraph 2-8b states the PH is awarded in the name of the President of the United States and, in accordance with Title 10, U.S. Code, section 1131, effective 19 May 1998, is limited to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the U.S. Armed Services after 5 April 1917, have been wounded, were killed, or who died or may hereafter die of wounds received under any of the following circumstances: (1) in any action against an enemy of the United States, (2) in any action with an opposing armed force of a foreign country in which the Armed Forces of the United States are or have been engaged, (3) while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party, (4) as the result of an act of any such enemy of opposing armed forces, and (5) as the result of an act of any hostile foreign force. b. Paragraph 2-8d states no more than one award will be made for more than one wound or injury received at the same instant or from the same missile, force, explosion, or agent. c. Paragraph 2-8k states each approved award of the PH must exhibit all of the following factors: wound, injury, or death must have been the result of circumstances described in paragraph 2-8b; the wound or injury must have required treatment, not merely examination, by a medical officer. Additionally, treatment of the wound will be documented in the service member's medical and/or health record. Award of the PH may be made for wounds treated by a medical professional other than a medical officer provided a medical officer includes a statement in the Service member's medical record that the extent of the wounds were such that they would have required treatment by a medical officer if one had been available to treat them. d. Paragraph 2-8g states examples of enemy-related injuries which clearly justify award of the PH are as follows: * injury caused by enemy bullet, shrapnel, or other projectile created by enemy action * injury caused by enemy placed mine or trap * injury caused by enemy released chemical, biological, or nuclear agent * injury caused by vehicle or aircraft accident resulting from enemy fire * concussion injuries caused as a result of enemy generated explosions * mild TBI or concussion severe enough to cause either loss of consciousness or restriction from full duty due to persistent signs, symptoms, or clinical findings, or impaired brain function for a period greater than 48 hours from the time of the concussive incident e. Paragraph 2-8l(1) states when recommending and considering award of the PH for a mild TBI or concussion, the chain of command will ensure the criteria in paragraph 2-8 is met, and that both diagnostic and treatment factors are present and documented in the Soldier's medical record by a medical officer. The following nonexclusive list provides examples of signs, symptoms, or medical conditions documented by a medical officer or medical professional that meet the standard for award of the PH; * diagnosis of concussion or mild TBI * any period of loss or a decreased level of consciousness * any loss of memory for events immediately before or after the injury * neurological deficits (weakness, loss of balance, change in vision, praxis that is, difficulty with coordinating movements), headaches, nausea, difficulty with understanding or expressing words, sensitivity to light, and so forth) that may or may not be transient. Intracranial lesion (positive computerized axial tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scan) f. Paragraph 2-8o(1) states the statutory time limits pertaining to award of military decorations does not apply to the PH. The PH may be awarded at anytime after submission of documented proof that criteria have been met. g. Paragraph 2-8o(2) states approved awards of the PH require the publication of permanent orders according to Army Regulation 600-8-105 (Military Orders), citing each recipient. A DA Form 4980-10 (The PH Medal Certificate) will include the following information: * the recipient's name and grade, date wounded in action, and date certificate is signed * all PH Medal certificates will bear the signature and signature block of the Secretary of the Army on the right side * during wartime, the signature and signature block of the commander authorized to award the PH will be on the left side * all other PHs awarded will bear the signature and signature block of the Adjutant General of the Army h. Paragraph 2-18o(3) states each approved award of the PH must exhibit all of the following factors: wound, injury or death must have been the result of enemy or hostile act; international terrorist attack; or friendly fire, the wound or injury must have required treatment by medical officials; and the records of medical treatment must have been made a matter of official Army records. 2. Department of Defense (DOD) Manual Number 1348.33, volume 3 (Manual of Military Decorations and Awards: DOD Wide Personal Performance and Valor Decorations), provides guidance regarding DOD-wide performance and valor awards (excluding the Medal of Honor and Defense/Joint Awards), including basis and eligibility requirements, who is eligible to receive, and who is eligible to authorize the decorations and awards. a. Enclosure 3 (DOD-Wide Valor and Performance Decorations and Awards), paragraph 5c(1)(b), states a wound for which the PH is awarded must have been of such severity that it required treatment, not merely examination, by a medical officer. Additionally, treatment of the wound shall be documented in the service member's medical and/or health records. Award of the PH may be made for wounds treated by a medical professional other than a medical officer provided a medical officer includes a statement in the service member's medical record that the extent of the wounds were such that they would have required treatment by a medical officer if one had been available to treat them. b. A medical officer is defined as a physician with officer rank. c. A medical professional is defined as a civilian physician or a physician extender. Physician extenders include nurse practitioners, physician assistants and other medical professional qualified to provide independent treatment, for example, independent duty corpsmen and special forces medics. Basic corpsmen and medics, such as combat medics, are not physician extenders. 3. Army Directive 2011-07 (Awarding of the PH) states authority to approve or disapprove recommendations for the award for Soldiers who did not receive a PH while serving in a unit with approval authority for wartime awards is the Commander, HRC, and may be further delegated in writing no lower than the Branch Chief, Awards and Decorations Branch, HRC. DISCUSSION: 1. The applicant contends he should be awarded the PH for a TBI and that it should be added to his DD Form 214. 2. The applicant's records show he served in Iraq from 6 March 2003 to 20 November 2003 and in Afghanistan from 12 March 2008 to 15 March 2009 and from 24 August 2010 to 26 March 2010. 3. During the applicant's deployments in Afghanistan, he sustained two blast injuries on 21 July 2008 and 16 August 2008 during a 27-day period. His records show he was awarded the SS for gallantry in action on 16 August 2008 during OEF for refusing treatment for his own wounds. The citation states he assembled two medics to accompany him on a rescue attempt. With complete disregard for his own safety, he ignored incoming grenades and enemy fire and crossed open ground to within several meters of the enemy position, ultimately killing two insurgents with fragmentation grenades. 4. The applicant's battalion commander submitted a personnel action request on 17 August 2015, recommending approval for award of the PH based on wounds he received in combat action in Afghanistan on 21 July 2008 and 16 August 2008 for a mortar attack (concussion) and a shrapnel wound to his left knee and concussion. 5. Supporting documentation from a division surgeon, dated 28 October 2015, indicates he suffered multiple close-range blast exposures with a mild concussive injury during his deployments. 6. On 4 March 2016, HRC disapproved his request for award of the PH. After consultation with the HRC Surgeon, HRC determined the events described did not meet the statutory guidance of Army Regulation 600-8-22, paragraph 2-8k. Medical documentation for these incidents were not submitted, nor could they be located within the AHLTA. 7. The applicant provides sworn statements from Soldiers who were with him in combat in Afghanistan on 21 July 2008 and on 16 August 2008 that attest to his injuries. 8. An advisory opinion obtained by the Staff Psychologist at ABCMR opined that supporting documentation from the applicant's command, to include the division surgeon, and memorandums regarding his medical symptoms and combat exposure support his claim that a TBI diagnosis was sustained and identified during his time in service and recommended his consideration for retroactive submission of a PH. 9. Although the applicant does not appear to be requesting two PH awards, it is important to note that documentation from the applicant's medical records, sworn statements, and his SS Citation support not only his TBI injuries on 21 July 2008, during hostile action against the enemy, but he also received another injury. His records show he was injured by shrapnel from a grenade blast while in combat in Afghanistan on 16 August 2008. It appears the applicant was not seen by a medical physician at the time of his knee injury, he was seen by a medic. The citation for his SS shows he valued the life of his fellow Soldier by putting his immediate wound aside to save the life of one of his fellow Soldiers, thereby being awarded the SS. He did not receive the PH for this second action. //NOTHING FOLLOWS// ABCMR Record of Proceedings AR20150000953 Enclosure 1 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20150018023 2 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Enclosure 1 ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20160011211 13 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Enclosure 2