Post by ivymike55 on Oct 17, 2013 22:01:37 GMT -7
Wounded Army Ranger Josh Hargis inspires others with salute
Hargis suffered serious injuries in bombing
The salute by Corporal Josh Hargis in Afghanistan making grown men weep From: News Limited Network |October 17, 2013
Corporal Josh Hargis and "the salute seen around the world."
A SALUTE by an injured Army Ranger while being awarded a Purple Heart has gone viral and been making "grown men weep."
Corporal Josh Hargis' commander was at the military hospital in Afghanistan to present him with the medal after he was injured in a suicide bomb attack that killed four members of his battalion and wounded 12 other US soldiers.
Doctors thought he was unconscious but as Cpl Hargis's commander pinned the Purple Heart on his blanket, the soldier lifted his right arm to salute - struggling with doctors and medical tubes to make the gesture. Military protocol calls for a soldier to salute when he receives the Purple Heart.
The commander added that it was "the single greatest event I have witnessed in my ten years in the Army."
Cpl Hargis's wife, Taylor, posted the picture on Facebook where it has been dubbed "the salute seen around the world."
The commander wrote Mrs Hargis a letter to tell her what the emotion was like in the room.
"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.
Josh and Taylor Hargis. Picture: Facebook
"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," his commander wrote.
"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 newspaper, 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."
Hargis, 24, from Cincinnati, has since been moved from Afghanistan to Germany and onto San Antonio, Texas.
WCPO reports Cpl Hargis’ mother Laura Heitman, as saying that Taylor and Josh Hargis are expecting their first child.
She said she recently spoke to her son and that he "sounded amazing ... and was in good spirits."
www.theaustralian.com.au/news/the-salute-by-corporal-josh-hargis-in-afghanistan-making-grown-men-weep/story-e6frg6n6-1226741322289
CPL Hargis is a true inspiration. I salute this incrediby honorable and strong man. As it turns out this wasn't the first showing of this man's outstanding character. Hargis had wanted to join the Army but he had previously broken his femur in a skiing accident and was turned down. 3 more times he attempted to enlistment into the Army but was turned down twice more. Most people would have given up on their dream to enlsit to serve their country. But not Hargis. On his fourth attempt he wrote directly to the Surgeon General who allowed him to enlist. Directly upon his graduation from boot camp he was recruited into the Rangers. A true honor for this man.
Then he goes and pops a smart salute with tubes coming out of his mouth, nose and arms and makes battle hardened Rangers weep. Incredible! Here's a story for the ages.