KIRKUK, Iraq - A dozen soldiers of the 116th Brigade Combat Team at Forward Operating Base McHenry were presented the Purple Heart on July 4 for wounds received in action earlier this year, according to a news release from the 116th.

The soldiers, from TF 1-163rd Infantry and a unit attached to them, C Co., 116th Engineer Bn., were decorated personally by Brig. Gen. Alan Gayhart, commander of the 116th, accompanied by Lt. Col. Walsh, commander of TF 1-163rd Infantry. The ceremony was held before a formation of approximately 100 of their fellow soldiers.

The awardees were Sgt. Tim Swander of HHC, 1-163rd Infantry: Spc. Jonathon Pemp of C Co., 116th Engineer Bn.; Sgt. Kelly Nieskens of C Co., TF 1-163rd Infantry; Spc. John Middlemas of C Co., TF 1-163rd Infantry; Spc. Nathaniel Loomis of HHC, 1-163rd Infantry; Sgt. Richard Kivett of C Co., 116th Engineer Bn.; Staff Sgt. Allen Hunt of C Co., TF 1-163rd Infantry; Spc. Chet Hoerner of C Co., TF 1-163rd Infantry; Staff Sgt. Daman Hall of C Co., 116th Engineer Bn.; Staff Sgt. Christopher Grudzinski of B Co., TF 1-163rd Infantry; Spc. Mark Cruz of B Co., of TF 1-163rd Infantry; and Spc. Adam Bagley of HHC, 1-163rd Infantry.

The Purple Heart award was established by Gen. George Washington at Newburgh, N.Y., on August 7, 1782, to honor those wounded in action during a time of war.

The 116th Brigade Combat Team supports the efforts of the government of Kirkuk Province in the areas of communication, infrastructure, economics and security. The 116th comprises units from Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Utah, North Dakota, Maryland and New Jersey. It is one of several Army National Guard units deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III.