PURPLE HEARTS HAVE STARTED BEING AWARDED FOR THE TOWER 22 ATTACK


By bblouin
Army Gen. Daniel Hokanson, chief, National Guard Bureau, and SEA Tony Whitehead, senior enlisted advisor to the CNGB, visit National Guardsmen deployed within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility March 15, 2024 for the Tower 22 attack. (Courtesy Photo)

It’s not that the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel caused all of the disruption American troops face in the Middle East. However, it clearly ramped things up again. The first major attack involving the deaths of U.S. military service members was the Tower 22 attack. This took place on January 28, 2024. Ever since the Jordan drone strike, investigations have worked to make sense as to how it happened, who was responsible, and which awards should be awarded. Now, more of the puzzle is coming together. Those who served through this attack are rightfully receiving recognition for their duties.

Who Attacked Tower 22?

Although many groups have been connected to the Tower 22 attack, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq (IRI) was ultimately held responsible. Even within the IRI, there are several different factions. However, the group is a Shia militia that receives support from Iran. They are heavily influenced by the ongoing war between Israel and other terrorist groups. Furthermore, because of their involvement in the Tower 22 drone attack, Ansar Allah al-Awfiya (19th PMF Brigade) was assigned the status of a terrorist organization by the U.S. Department of State months after the event.

A Drone Strike in Jordan

A drone attack on Tower 22 killed three National Guardsmen while wounding many other service members in January 2024. Those stationed at Tower 22 were helping to maintain stability in a volatile region only made worse by the ongoing attacks between Israel and various terrorist groups backed by Iran. Due to ISIS operating in the area, both Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Spartan Shield continue to keep thousands of troops in the Middle East. This number continues to grow, in an effort to boost regional security. Service members stationed throughout the region are growing increasingly vulnerable to being targeted by militant groups looking to respond to Israeli and American-backed attacks in Gaza, Yemen, and now, Lebanon.

Awards and Promotions Stemming From the Tower 22 Attack

Among those who were injured during the attack on Tower 22, three Airmen received Purple Hearts. Staff Sgt. Michael Byrne, Senior Airman Herland Antezana, and Staff Sgt. Dustin Dinkelacker from the 129th Rescue Wing at Moffett Air National Guard Base in California, all received Purple Hearts. They were pinned by Maj. Gen. Steven Butow for their service during the drone strike. Over 40 troops were injured in the Jordan drone strike. These Airmen were able to work together and reach each other amidst the chaos. As anyone could imagine, the Tower 22 attack left plenty of carnage in its wake. This is when the Airmen sprang into action. Not only did they help put out fires throughout the base while searching and helping injured personnel, but they did so before treating their own injuries. Furthermore, the men remained at the post until May 2024 continuing their service. The Purple Heart awards are notable as it’s still not clear how many were awarded to service members. However, among the 150 attacks involving U.S. buildings between October 2023 and the Tower 22 attack, this was the first to deal with injuries to Americans. The Tower 22 Jordan attack would sadly claim the lives of three Army Reservists, Sgt. William Rivers, Spc. Kennedy Sanders, and Spc. Breonna Moffett—all of which were posthumously promoted because of their service. These events are a stark reminder of the danger that comes with duty and how things can evolve quickly. The Tower 22 attack is still being dissected and as tensions rise in the region. Those serving remain critical to maintaining order in a deteriorating situation. Suggested reads:


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