AFGHANISTAN — Corporal Daniel Calderon, 22, of Kelseyville, is a candidate for a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart following a roadside bombing.
According to U.S. Army Capt. Jose Hernandez, Calderon was assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Task Force Currahee.
The task force was on a combat patrol in the Pakita Province of Afghanistan on Sept. 13, when a improvised explosive device(IED) went off and flipped the MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) armored vehicle injuring a few soldiers inside one of whom was Calderon.
Hernandez said when the dust settled Calderon, as well as other soldiers, made their way from the vehicle and returned fire to fight off the ambush.
Some of the soldiers received minor injuries, Calderon sustained two broken ribs as a result of the bombing, but still continued to lay down cover fire until the QRF (Quick Reaction Force) came and assisted them with the wounded and injured.
Because of the actions of Calderon and others with Task Force Currahee, no casualties were sustained. Hernandez said “They have been put in for the awards of Bronze Star with the ?V” device for valor as well as Purple Hearts.”
