Combat Wounded | How I Got the Purple Heart

Ok guys, here's my story on how I earned the Purple Heart. I did my best to talk about as many details as possible about the event, but there is a lot that I had to leave out for OPSEC reasons, which I'm sure you understand. But the point of this story, is not necessary the story itself. The main lesson for me, and what I hope you get out of this as well, is that we never know when our time is up. We NEVER know how much time we have left, so we should always do out best to cherish the time we have to share with loved ones, share experiences, try new things, and CRUSH our goals. Don't waste any time working towards the things you care about, because you don't know how much time you have left!
HERE ARE THE OTHER VIDEOS AS PART OF THIS SERIES:
Chapter 1: Joining the Army - • Why I Joined the U.S. ...
Chapter 2: My First Duty Station - • My First Duty Station ...
Chapter 3: My First Combat Deployment - • My First Combat Deploy...
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***All views and opinions on this topic are my own, and are not representative of any of the US Army’s official policies.
#usarmy #soldier #military

[@oneshotnicky]

Thank you, Gritty. It’s fashionable now to trash the army but there are so many great things about it, too. The range of people you meet, the bonds you form, and the depth of support I’ve never experienced in any other area of my life, not even family. You motivate me and I’m proud to serve with you.

[@GrittySoldier]

Totally agreed, I love being a soldier, nothing will ever change that.

[@thomasjgallagher924]

“I don’t measure a man’s success by how high he climbs but by how high he bounces when he hits bottom.” Gen GS Patton. I smiled when you said the emotion you felt most in the first minute after the blast was anger, because I've been there, and so many of us can relate. I think that's the brain sweeping up all our expectations and aspirations and tossing them in the dust bin, and confronting the empty space left behind. "Who am I now?" BTW, I'm sure there are practical reasons for the walking talks, but its a very effective format; gives a sense of a friendly ruck out in nature, passing the time, enjoying the day.

[@GrittySoldier]

My thought on the walk and talk is that it replicates us being out together on a ruck, having a conversation. 👍

[@gjj101]

I would have never guessed that half your face once looked like hamburger, you are so inspiring brother! When others would call it quits and get out(with good reason) you keep pushing. If I can complete my contract as half the soldier you are, I'd be proud of myself. You are the spitting image of what the Army should be.

[@KahinAhmed72]

He became all that he could be.

[@tdub1776]

Props to You, your Wife, and the fellow soldiers who were injured or killed in action.

[@armyranger4403]

You have my upmost Respect . RANGERS LEAD THE WAY. you are a brother to me .Godspeed

[@GrittySoldier]

RLTW!

[@philapodaca3568]

I flew medivac missions on c141's and c17's from the start of the war to 2012 and transported thousands of combat wounded from Iraq and Afghanistan to Germany, and then to Walter Reed, and ultimately home. Maybe I transported you. Glad you made it brother I carried way too many that didn't. Live life always!!!

[@glennkoch5173]

I wouldn't have guessed you had this experience. You are a humble, inspirational leader and you clearly have an awesome wife. My son is graduating Ranger 04-23 and I pray he also shows up and sets a high standard for himself and his unit, much like yourself. RLTW!

[@gmemo4449]

Btw you're correct, sometimes tragedies help us refocus and rethink what is important. Thank you for your service.

[@GrittySoldier]

🫡

[@markseaton9789]

You Sir are another one of our heroes, keeping the Ranger tradition proud. R.I.P for your brothers lost in battle !

[@EarlCorgi]

Man that’s a hell of a story. Much respect.

[@DOMINYPAUL]

God bless you Buddy, I'm a retired Grunt, Praying for you.

[@GrittySoldier]

🙏 🫡

[@nathanheitritter7085]

I appreciate you telling your story of your time in the Army. I'm actually enlisting at the end of the month and your videos, especially this newer series, has helped me understand what life can be like in the military. At first I was a little nervous but you've helped me become more excited and prepared both mentally and physically for basic and whatever else I see in my future with the Army. Thank you so much

[@GrittySoldier]

Great to hear man, seriously. Keep working at it! 💪

[@2ndHandHero]

Guy has bomb wounds to his legs. “I told him to drink water and pull security,” Hooah! The most Army thing I’ve heard all year!

[@scorpius9186]

Just wanted to say your one of the reasons I’m in the enlistment process. This series has been really inspiring. Keep up the good work!

[@GrittySoldier]

Thanks! Will do!

[@tiltedhorizon1435]

Great story. I usually don't like hearing Purple Heart stories unless there's a lesson to be learned. That's one award no one actually wants and no one works towards receiving one...but if you get one, you take pride in it. One of the coolest deployment stories I have is that our chaplain had a very spiritual conversation with one of the guys in our convoy one mission, that we ended up pulling over and pulling security as he baptized this soldier in the Euphraties River. Was a very powerful and surreal moment. And a nasty ass river. 😂

[@nitramnagrom3574]

Thanks for sharing this, Gritty. I’m glad you had such an effective recovery! Update on the 12-mile ruck today, I made good pace (12:09-13:40 mi/min) for the first 4 miles, but just after 6 miles I experienced cramping in my calf, then at 7 miles both of my tendons in my quads cramped up and effectively stopped me in my tracks. I was in no condition to complete the ruck within 3hrs and was seen by the Medics at 8mi. It means I can’t compete for ESB this year, and it’s a massive blow to my confidence, but next time I’ll need to drink more water beforehand and try again.

[@michaellacy8510]

Especially for those of us who haven't served, your story is important. Most people have no idea who joins the military, what they do, and how they feel. Thanks.

[@caingross]

i dont even know what to say, man. everytime you share another bit of yourself or your history, i admire you even more. genuinely had chills listening about the soldier that died that day, makes it all much more real (and helps understanding the weight of deciding to join anyway, despite all the implications and possibilities). thanks for sharing! also, if you allow me, it was a hell of a healing process! barely can see any scars, if at all. congrats!

[@Dan-qp1el]

You are an inspiration to this 50 year old. Thank you.

[@GreenEyedMountainJack]

Awesome story, proud to serve with you all. Best wishes everybody!

[@user-cv7yp8cw3e]

I thank you for your service. I can’t even to begin to Imagine how it was for you, you are so strong. My father went through the same thing about wanting more from life when he came back from Afghanistan & he went to OCS school on to be a CW4 very proud of him! He’s retired now since 2022. Much love and respect to everybody who serves in the military!

[@zacrentz4457]

I’m leaving for Army infantry basic today, soldiers like you are what makes this country great. Thank you!

[@John-ro3vu]

Thanks for all you’ve done, and sharing your experience. I joined in 2019 and since the draw down the Army has been nothing but a giant pain in the ass.

[@bushcraftbasics2036]

Glad you had a lot of support and are doing well. Condolences on those that were lost. Funny, I took a rocket fragment to the head which scalped me a bit and gave me a concussion and knocked my inner ear loose. The funny thing about it they bandaged me up and turned me loose in KAF. I was then told I had to go shave (had been out for a few days) but my shave kit was off in the Patrol Base. So after a sleep I find my way to the PX even though I was still extremely dizzy and lightheaded to get some toiletries. I would often stop and lean against shelves for balance. People would stare at me and then give a wide berth and walk by. I thought it was weird but fine. When I finally I got to a mirror I realized I had bled through the bandage and it had run down my neck and was soaking my shirt. I must have been quite the spectacle, no wonder people stared. The uncomfortable realization is that nobody stopped to say, "hey dude, are you OK".

[@jaredchandler4491]

A humble Stud--RLTW & DOL- thanks for informing my son and his Option 40 buddies-- solid guidance, keep it up! You are inspiring our next Gen of American Warriors!! 🇺🇸👊🏼🤙🏼

[@therangersinger]

Thank you for sharing Sir! Better to tell the stories of the past than to hold onto them forever.

[@GrittySoldier]

Agreed

[@dukeelder6903]

Gritty, Thank you for sharing your PH story, that was one medal I never wanted to receive. So glad you did not lose your eye. Keep leaning forward and making good things happen, recommend you go command a Ranger company because you are a stud and inspirational leader. I retired in 2017 after 30+ years, glad we have young studs like you still making a difference and impact to service members.

[@gmemo4449]

Thank you for sharing and for your service, from a Navy veteran. Who was about to join the Army until I saw the pictures of carriers. I'm glad you're still serving, I got hurt and I'm on VA disability which pissed me off LOL

[@connornobbs3487]

Wow, what a story, very grateful to have you around after all that

[@sherwincody5025]

trust me not everyone gets that kind of support for their wives and family in the aftermath of combat injuries, you one of the lucky ones

[@EricSWCCFPJ]

Thanks for sharing. Anyone watching make sure you listen all the way to the end because it’s very valuable wisdom shared which is rare

[@spacecase7717]

Thank you for the video and more importantly your service. If everything goes as planned my son will be leaving for basic in Oklahoma in August. As an introvert kid who has never been out of NC, I am a little nervous for him but he is very smart and I know he will do well. We both watch your videos regularly.

[@GrittySoldier]

I’m sure his experience will only inspire growth. 👍

[@Will-nh4lm]

11:46 this explanation that you give for how you and the two guys with you were able to to get to the bird has to be one of the most amazing scenes to picture as you explain it

[@danielvillarreal6610]

Greetings from an old 11A5SLA in Taipei, Taiwan 🇹🇼! I survive prostate cancer not too long ago and I relate to your story about hitting the Reset Button after such events. Keep punching, Gritty Soldier!

[@WeightsAreFriends]

Always respected you but this made me respect you even more. Thanks for you service. I’m brand new to the army coming in as a medical officer and your videoed motivate me to do my best not only as a doctor but also as a soldier.

[@samdrher798]

Imagine how bad ass of an image that walk to the med evac looked

[@GrittySoldier]

I know right 😆

[@jdones5475]

Thank you for the story. You are a hero!

[@vflshred8796]

Thank you Sir for sharing your incredible story. AATW!

[@LudovicHATAT]

What a story! Thank you for sharing it. Really puts things into perspective. Never quit!

[@user-me4jg2qy3t]

Gritty soldier. What an incredible story. I know soldiers don't necessarily like to be thanked for their service, but here is my heartfelt Thank you for your service. Our son-in-law was in the Army and was blown up in his humve in Afganistan. He almost lost his leg. It required multiple surgeries for him to keep his leg. He also recieved a Purple Heart, like you. Thank God your story had a beautiful outcome. God Bless you. Thanks for all the ruck maching and training videos.

[@msfkmsfk]

And you make some really good points and advice on life.

[@Brett33]

Thank you for sharing your story . It's great that your wife was able to be there with you and it sounds like you were able to support each other in your recoveries .

[@williammcginnis9976]

God bless you Brother. That’s some serious hero stuff right there. Your wife too. Had to be so hard. Glad you are still here to share this!

[@Acalltoservice03]

Thank you for sharing your entire story!

[@ScottSmith7964]

Heavy stuff. Thank you for sharing your story. You guys are badass

[@jonvro4022]

A true example of baptism by fire. Amazing story man, keep on inspiring!

[@stewarttrains98]

Thanks for being able to share and tell your story. I know for a lot of people it's very, very difficult to talk about.

[@Guy-mn7zt]

Thank you for your service gritty. Its cause of people like you that people like me and and most people are safe.

[@mascasa7502]

Thank you for sharing your story and thank you for your service.

[@lughvinoga]

Thank you for sharing that story. It means a lot

[@robinj7558]

Thank you for sharing-thank you for your service then and continued service now❤

[@cwschmidt]

You have my respect ! You are a Man with total respect ! HERO

[@kevindonovan1194]

From one veteran to another, thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your inspiration.

[@Xaviier9090]

Dang that’s deep. I can’t wait for another vid!

[@matthewflores6561]

Wow Man Respect Glad Your Still Around To Tell Us These Badass Stories,Keep Em Comin🤓🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@ismailabiff2462]

Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@justDudpool]

God Bless You! Thank you for your service. Thank you for sharing this. You are a hero.

[@Whitehawkvisionfilms]

God Bless you, your team and your wife!

[@bpron836]

Thanks for sharing, Gritty…your best video yet.

[@samc4402]

Beautiful!! Thank you for sharing!! Glad that you are okay!! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@JimboAlexander]

Thank you for sharing your story 🤟

[@stevewilliamson7427]

Top man, full respect, and very inspirational. Thanks 🙏

[@danielarrington6387]

God bless you dude glad your still here love your channel 🙂

[@ashharkausar413]

I finally got around to listening to this story. Really powerful and at times, emotional to listen to. Especially the part with your wife. I'm glad you're safe and doing better than before!

[@charleslewis3045]

listening to quite a few of your vids..you really mirror your life with every word of the Ranger Creed…you’re an amazing example of an elite, dedicated, never-quit soldier, balanced with a very compassionate, humble, and well spoken human being. congrats on jump master graduation… great vid 💪🏼🙏🏼 god bless…this nation was built and continues to rest on the sacrifices and shoulders of gritty soldiers like yourself. i wish everyone knew that. hooah !!!!

[@TripleAAA53]

GOD BLESS YOU Gritty !! My heartfelt gratitude to you and your brothers involved in this event. Your story sincerely moved me. So glad you survived and thrived afterwards. Semper Fidelis

[@michaelmoschitta174]

Amazing story. Much respect.

[@jimgoldwinger422]

Simply, a profound thank you.

[@takecareofyou6233]

Thank you so much for sharing your story Gritty Soldier! So humble, so honest, so inspiring, and i think it will help a lot of people. There is also a reason that i never quit, never go lazy, never forget, but that is a whole other story. Keep it real and stay strong, long! Btw, still training for that fan dance race :) Hug you, take care of you. Sunny greetings from Germany Gritty Soldier.

[@bodidley5015]

Bless army med. You’re such a good lookin dude nobody’d suspect you were ever even in a fist fight much less a blast trauma. Semper Fi hard charger.

[@GrittySoldier]

😂 I think I bounced back nicely but, definitely marked up a bit

[@bodidley5015]

You wear it well and continue to march on. That’s as soldier as a man can be. Regardless of his branch or even country. Inspirational.

[@maxchu4329]

Thank you for your service , salute to you! Thank you for your great videos, really motivated and meaningful!!

[@Christian.L.Rodgers]

Thank you for sharing your story.

[@Cuff_Daddy]

Thank you for sharing this tough time in your life. Your videos have pushed me out of my comfort zone and I could not have succeeded without your inspiration. If you’re near Schofield for a while please let me know, I would like to get lunch with you one of these days!

[@barryrohrmeier2399]

And yet another reason why you are Gritty. You're the BEST and great video.

[@jessecollins5072]

Wow, that's so inspirational. Thanks for sharing your story. God bless you. I'm looking forward to the green to gold story.

[@benjamindavid1148]

Thank you for your amazing service and for the sacrifice of both you and your wife. Thanks for sharing the wisdom that came from it. Truly inspiring.

[@thecookandthecookie3593]

10:05 🤣🤣 Haha! Good times. Outstanding story, 🤙🤙🇺🇲

[@GrittySoldier]

Haha it was, in a really weird way lol

[@Applejack242]

Such a powerful story 🇺🇸 Thank you for your service 🫡

[@harvey1115]

Gritty Story Sunday! Thanks for sharing your story sir

[@ryancothern3895]

Powerful story thank you for sharing

[@alpha1teamleader26]

We serve an awesome God and he still has work for you. Glad to see you healed up.

[@johnnellfelarca3777]

This was very opening. Video made feel very grateful and lucky to be one of the few who got to find gems like these. Thank you for your service and for this amazing share.

[@georgeshaya2450]

Wow, what an incredible story. Thank you and all that serve past and present.

[@juddhughes1884]

Wow, very powerful, thanks for sharing this. Nice to catch a glimpse of what helps shape your motivated mindset.

[@ChrisBairDrums]

Incredible story, thank you for your service! 🙏

[@GrittySoldier]

Thank you

[@brandonsanders3095]

Thanks for the inspiration!

[@papsterwap]

I appreciate your story and sacrifice. Thank you for sharing so much knowledge, it certainly helps us lower enlisted guys. Thanks again

[@GrittySoldier]

I’m glad it’s useful information for you! 🤜 🤛

[@makingmajorprofits1017]

Thank you first your service young man.

[@GreenBlueWalkthrough]

I sorry that happened it really sounded like they used the VIP as a trap... But I'm glad you recovered fully and were able to go on to make these videos walking in the woods of haiwii! Which as a sickly person I've could have died more times then I can count just from my body failing me... And I've pushed harder and header to live thank you for inspiring me to push harder!

[@escorpion8282]

This was one of the best videos I have seen in YT. Greetings from Argentina!

[@GrittySoldier]

Wow, thank you!

[@gregballendine5099]

Thank You Brother and Thanks to Mrs.Gritty. One of your best vids.

[@GrittySoldier]

Thank you! And thanks for thinking about Mrs Gritty I’ll tell her you said that!

[@GOSPELMIGGS]

Your story is really touching. You're a LIVING BEAST... Thank you for your service Sir. May God continue protecting you.

[@GrittySoldier]

Thank you. ⚔️

[@felixtorres6719]

Had been waiting for this one to drop. I believe I checked at least 10 times since Friday. One of my past times is running and listening to some Gritty content.

[@GrittySoldier]

That’s awesome 😎

[@climatedamage1811]

Outstanding!

[@bloshhortman3505]

Huge fan of the channel, just got your ACTF workout program to train for an ACFT in June! Thanks for all the fitness advice geared towards military!

[@GrittySoldier]

Hall yeah! Crush the program and you’ll see your score go ⬆️

[@johnfarley4201]

GOD BLESS YOU. THANK YOU FOR YOUR INSPIRING WORDS.

[@dortheawatson3938]

Mrs. Gritty is a Saint!

[@GrittySoldier]

She is

[@quynhle3611]

Thank you so much for giving up your personal own life,to protecting Us. Never enough. Thanks 🙏🫶😘 Prayer for your safety, to coming home with family and loved ones.

[@msfkmsfk]

Good story I really appreciate hearing your experience and I love your channel.

[@GrittySoldier]

Thanks! 🙏

[@samuellott8450]

Incredible story