Airman awarded Purple Heart

  • Published
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Senior Airman Kevin Bolton, 573rd Global Support Squadron air transportation specialist, was awarded the Purple Heart Wednesday at the Base Theater at Travis.

In February 2012, while assigned to the 60th Aerial Port Squadron, Bolton deployed as part of a 10-person team to Forward Operating Base Salerno, Afghanistan.

On June 1, a vehicle-born improvised explosive device exploded at the perimeter of the base, blowing the doors and windows out of the air freight terminal where Bolton was conducting operations. He immediately took action, moving to his defensive fighting position.

Prior to arriving at his DFP, he came upon a group of civilian personnel and ensured their safety, guiding them to a secure shelter within the building. Bolton returned to his fighting position, where he was immediately engaged by the enemy and struck by fire from one of the insurgents who broke through the first line of defense.

After the firefight ceased, Bolton was escorted to safety and taken to medical care.

Through his resiliency and strong character, Bolton was able to quickly recover from his injuries and return back to duty.

The Purple Heart is awarded to personnel who have received wounds in action against an armed enemy of the United States during periods or war or armed conflict, or those who have lost their lives as a result of action by hostile foreign forces.