United States Central Command has approved 29 Purple Hearts for soldiers injured during the Iranian ballistic missile attack on January 8.
In an emailed statement to the Military Times, CENTCOM spokesman, Commander Zachary Harrell, confirmed that the review board had submitted a list of recommendations for Purple Hearts to Lt. Gen. Pat White, the commander of Combined Joint Task Force- Operation Inherent Resolve, for consideration.
Now, White has approved that list.
Just in: First of six Purple Hearts approved for #TBI injuries during Jan. 8 Iranian missile attack on Al Assad Air Base awarded to U.S. Army soldiers in Iraq and Kuwait on May 3-4. The awards first of 29 approved by Lt. Gen. Pat White, OIR cmdr,
— Barbara Starr (@bstarrreports) May 4, 2020
Harrell noted that more than 110 servicemen have been evaluated for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and a total of 80 Purple Heart packages were evaluated on an individual basis.
Harrell has offered specific details about Purple Heart qualifications, noting that the diagnosis does not automatically make a service member eligible for a Purple Heart.
“It is important to note that a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) diagnosis does not automatically qualify a Service Member for Purple Heart eligibility or awarding,” Harrell explained.
He added, “The CJTF-OIR process was designed to be a fair and impartial proceeding that evaluated each case in accordance with applicable regulations.”
Harrell went on to confirm that the evaluation ultimately led to 29 Purple Heart packages being approved.
“Ultimately, 29 Purple Hearts have been approved for injuries sustained by U.S. Army soldiers, and the rest of the awards are expected to be presented this week,” Harrell said.
The Purple Hearts announcement follows reports about the Iranian missile attack. While President Donald Trump and commanders initially said that no injuries had been sustained during the attack, troops began to have concussion-like symptoms, according to ABC News.
The military began evaluating some of its troops. Most injured have been cleared to return to work while others were hospitalized for further evaluation.
"Two USAF Airmen Purple Heart submissions were reviewed…CJTF-OIR Commander passed his recommendation against approval for these two awards to the U.S. Air Forces Central Command Commander" https://t.co/ExKy0M5PGg
— Barbara Starr (@bstarrreports) May 4, 2020
Two packages for airmen were also submitted to White. However, he ultimately “passed his recommendation against approval” to Lt. Gen. Joseph T. Guastella, who will be in charge of final approval of those Purple Heart packages.