Email   Print   Share By Sgt. Lance Pounds, 3rd Cav. Regt. Public Affairs

Facebook Digg Delicious May 17, 2012 | Living

Specialist Charles Lemon, previously assigned to Maddog Company, Thunder Squadron, 3rd Cav. Regt., is presented the Purple Heart award by Brig. Gen. Joseph DiSalvo, deputy commanding general for III Corps and Fort Hood, Monday at the 3rd Cav. Regt. Memorial, for injuries he sustained during a combat mission in June 2011. Sgt. Lance Pounds, 3rd Cav. Regt. Public Affairs

Specialist Charles Lemon, previously assigned to Maddog Company, Thunder Squadron, 3rd Cav. Regt., stood with his mother, Cherylene Towns, brother, Bryan Lemon, and sister, Kimberly Lemon, while he was presented the Purple Heart award by Brig. Gen. Joseph DiSalvo, deputy commanding general for III Corps and Fort Hood, Monday at the 3rd Cav. Regt. Memorial, for injuries he sustained during a combat mission in June 2011. Lemon, who lost both his legs, was able to stand for the ceremony with the use of prosthetic legs. Sgt. Lance Pounds, 3rd Cav. Regt. Public Affairs

Specialist Charles Lemon, previously assigned to Maddog Company, Thunder Squadron, 3rd Cav. Regt., smiles after receiving the Purple Heart award Monday at the 3rd Cav. Regt. Memorial, for his injuries sustained during a combat mission in June 2011. Sgt. Lance Pounds, 3rd Cav. Regt. Public Affairs

“Attention to Orders!” Capt. David Padgalaskas, said. “By order of the President of the United States of America, the Purple Heart, established by Gen. George Washington, is awarded to Spc. Charles Lemon, for wounds received in action June 8, 2011. Given under my hand at Fort Hood, Texas this 14th day of May 2012, signed the honorable John McHugh, Secretary of the Army.”

These words resonated in the heart of the recipient, who stood proudly on his prosthetic legs, as he accepted the award.

Held at the 3rd Cavalry Regiment memorial, the ceremony allowed friends, Family members and fellow Soldiers to congratulate Lemon.

Lemon, a native of Haines City, Fla., joined the Army Feb. 3, 2009. Following basic and advanced individual training, he was assigned to Maddog Company, Thunder Squadron, 3rd Cav. Regt., where he served as a gunner.

On June 8, 2011, while conducting combat operation in Najaf, Iraq, Lemon was wounded by an attack on his vehicle.

“That morning, Lemon’s platoon was tasked to support the Najaf Stability Transition Team which was assisting the local Anti-Terrorism Unit in prosecuting numerous detained high value targets,” Capt. David Griffith, the former commander for Maddog, said.

“While en route to this location, Lemon’s truck was struck by an Explosively Formed Penetrator, which penetrated his Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle in two locations. Unfortunately, this attack took the precious life of the driver, and wounded all personnel on board the vehicle,” added Griffith. “Fortunately, Lemon was immediately stabilized by his medic and fellow Soldier, who was also wounded. Due to the brave and competent actions of these Soldiers in a chaotic combat environment, Lemon survived his injuries and is here standing before us today.”

And stand he did, which is something that doctors told him he may never again be able to do.

“I am still trying to find out what all I can do rather than things I can’t do,” Lemon said, as he referred to sports and activities that can be adapted for amputees.

Despite his injuries, Lemon is focused on the future with plans to walk again, go to college, go scuba diving and kayak fishing, as well as volunteer for numerous charities.

Lemon said he wants to give back to the community for supporting him through his recovery.

Though his recovery was more difficult than he had anticipated, Lemon stood upright when he received the award, and remained standing while attendees showed their appreciation with hugs, hand-shakes and coins.

“It’s one of the greatest honors I have,” Lemon said as he described what it meant to receive the award.

The Purple Heart award is the oldest military decoration in current use and is the first American award made available to the common Soldier. Initially created as the Badge of Military Merit by Gen. George Washington, the Purple Heart is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who are wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy, or posthumously to the next of kin in the name of those who were killed in action or died from wounds received in action. It is specifically a combat decoration.

The Order of the Purple Heart states: “Let it be known that he who wears the military order of the Purple Heart has given of his blood in the defense of his homeland and shall forever be revered by his fellow countrymen.”