Barksdale Airman receives Purple Heart Published July 9, 2007 By Stephanie Bemrose The Bombardier BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- A vehicle operator dispatcher deployed from here to the 586th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron received a Purple Heart after sustaining injuries from an improvised explosive device. According to a command post report, Staff Sgt. Thomas Knudsen sustained a compound fracture to his lower right leg, a fracture to his left heel and skull and shrapnel injuries above his left eye June 6 near Balad AB, Iraq. Sergeant Knudsen had worked as a vehicle operator at Barksdale for about a year, said Master Sgt. Jeffery Crochet, 2d LRS vehicle operations supervisor. Commenting on his work ethics and dedication to the mission, 2d LRS commander Lt. Col. Zev York is not surprised that Sergeant Knudsen was the truck commander of the lead vehicle in the convoy when he was injured. "That's how he is - very serious and committed to the mission," the colonel said. Maj. Mike Davis, 2d LRS operations officer, said Sergeant Knudsen's duty performance is flawless. "He's definitely one of our superstars and is a great role model for his section," the major explained. Sergeant Knudsen is a good vehicle operator who is always willing to help anyone in need, added Master Sgt. Arlin Spraggins, 2d LRS vehicle operations superintendent. "He is a dependable individual who, as a vehicle maintenance cross-trainee, has always put forth the effort to adapt to the vehicle operations career field," Sergeant Spraggins added. "He is truly amazing and an asset to our team," Sergeant Crochet added. Major Davis said Sergeant Knudson and his family faced this deployment bravely without faltering - knowing the dangers. "He exemplified the Airman's Creed before there was one and continues to live by its principles," the major said. "He will tell you that he was just doing his job." Sergeant Crochet said he is anxious to see Sergeant Knudsen recover and return to the shop. Colonel York added that after time to recover and be with his family, the squadron looks forward to his transition from hospital care to convalescent leave to having him back on the job. "He is a hard charger who has a tremendous amount of support from his family and coworkers," the commander said. Major Davis said he is extremely proud of him and all deployed members and their supportive families and loved ones. "Our combat Airmen are in harm's way on a daily basis and are achieving great success," he said. "I'm honored to be associated with all of them."