ND Soldier Presented with Purple Heart

| 5/4/2012

A North Dakota National Guard soldier was presented with the Purple Heart for Military Merit during a ceremony today. Governor Jack Dalrymple and North Dakota National Guard Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk presented Sgt. Michael Wing of Surry with the medal during a ceremony in Minot.

According to a release from the North Dakota National Guard, Wing received the medal for combat wounds he received while serving with the Company A 141st Engineer Battalion in Iraq. On September 16, 2004, while on a routine route clearance mission, Wing`s convoy came under fire and he was wounded by an improvised explosive device. Although he was injured, Wing continued with his mission and did not seek medical treatment until the mission was completed.

"Today is a great day for North Dakota, when one of our military heroes is honored for his meritorious service and valor," Dalrymple said. "Sgt. Wing put his state and country first by joining the North Dakota National Guard and deploying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. While in Iraq, he put the mission and the lives of others first, demonstrating his willingness to put his life on the line for a greater cause."

The Purple Heart is awarded to any member of the U.S. Armed Forces who, while serving in that capacity, has been wounded, killed or died as a result of wounds received in action.

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