The Daily Mail is reporting on the moment John Hargis of Cincinnati, Ohio was given the Purple Heart after suffering serious leg injuries when a female suicide bomber detonated her explosives in Panjwai last week, killing four of Hargis' comrades.
Hargis had just undergone surgery in an Army hospital in Afghanistan when the presentation was made.
His commanding officer described what happened next in a letter sent to Hargis' wife Taylor:
"A simple ceremony, you can picture a room full of Rangers, leaders, doctors, and nurses surrounding his bedside while the Ranger Regimental Commander pinned the Purple Heart to his blanket," the officer wrote.
"During the presentation the Commander publishes the official orders verbally and leaned over Josh to thank him for his sacrifice. Josh, whom everybody in the room (over 50 people) assumed to be unconscious, began to move his right arm under the blanket in a diligent effort to salute the Commander as is customary during these ceremonies.
"Despite his wounds, wrappings, tubes, and pain, Josh fought the doctor who was trying to restrain his right arm and rendered the most beautiful salute any person in that room had ever seen.
"I cannot impart on you the level of emotion that poured through the intensive care unit that day. Grown men began to weep and we were speechless at a gesture that speak volumes about Josh's courage and character.
"The picture, which we believe belongs on every news channel and every news paper is attached. I have it hanging above my desk now and will remember it as the single greatest event I have witnessed in my ten years in the Army."
Josh's wife, Taylor, posted both this letter and the photo on their Facebook page so that all of America will know the bravery and courage of the men who are fighting to keep them free.
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